A team of young Fijians represented the country for the first time in a gymnastics competition in Australia.
And Island Acro Gymnastics Club members shared their experiences after the youngsters took part in the National Clubs Gymnastics Carnival on the Gold Coast last month.
Coach Michelle Fink along with six Fijian gymnasts from the ages of 10-14 said they had an experience of a lifetime.
Shammah Titifanue is 14 and has been dancing ever since she was a little girl.
“It was nerve-wracking to be competing with experienced gymnasts in front of a large audience, but at the same time exciting to have such an opportunity to share the floor and learn so much from them on a professional level. Personally, I definitely had an amazing time, getting to socialise with other gymnasts and learning new things,” Shammah said.
“I was so fortunate and blessed to have been selected to be a part of the gymnastics team representing Fiji at the National Clubs Carnival. This experience has been incredible for me as an individual and as well as being part of an amazing team.
“The highlight of the competition was probably winning an overall silver medal with my team. Being able to use equipment that we don’t have available in Fiji was an amazing experience and that definitely allowed my teammates and I to overcome many of our fears, especially during the mini tramp and tumbling part of the competition.
“The experience of traveling together made our team bond stronger and helped me form lifelong friendships.
“I love meeting other teams and seeing their level of skill impressed me and made me believe that I could also be as good as them with practice.”
Fink said: “It was an amazing experience for them, and we ticked off a lot of firsts.”
“It was the first time for one of the girls to go overseas, first time in an international competition, first time doing gymnastics on more types of gymnastics equipment,” she said.
“Another highlight was being invited to the local club called Skybound Gymnastics and being able to train with their gymnasts.
“We had so much fun using the equipment and learning new skills.
“We wish to share this amazing sport with even more people and we hope by doing events like these, we create awareness about the sport throughout Fiji.
“The more athletes we can get involved in the sport means we can develop more coaches which will develop more clubs which will develop more athletes, etc, who can then participate in more local competitions and showcases.
“Our short-term club goal is to acquire more gymnastics equipment which will help develop our athletes and provide more opportunities for them to grow within the sport and better prepare them for international competitions and showcases like these.”
She added the club was focused on developing athletes to the best of their abilities.
“We invite athletes from all ages and athletic backgrounds to give gymnastics a try.
“Gymnasts can join us from as little as three years old and progress through the sport with their own goal in mind, whether that’s to take part in competitions, becoming a coach or just for fun.
“We believe gymnastics is for everyone.”
