FOR the first time in history, Fiji will be represented at the FIG Suzuki World Cup in Aerobic Gymnastics in Tokyo, Japan on April 26-27.
17-year-old Robyn Eastgate from Nadi will be flying the Fijian flag at the event.
Robyn’s participation marks a defining moment not just for the Gymnastics Federation of Fiji, but for the sport’s growth across the Pacific.
Selected for the international pathway by the Oceania Gymnastics Union following standout performances at the Australian National Clubs Carnivals in 2022 and 2023, Robyn now carries the weight of a nation’s hopes on her shoulders.
Gymnastics Federation of Fiji board director Maria Alvarado said Robyn’s journey is nothing short of inspirational.
“Robyn is a remarkable athlete. She started as a performer in 2020 and only transitioned to competitive training in 2022. In Fiji, we currently do not have AER coaches with international-level qualifications, so she has had to train in very unconventional ways. Her commitment and resilience are incredible.”
Despite the limitations at home, Robyn’s determination has opened doors across borders. Her competition routine has been choreographed by Australian coach Deborah Greenbaum, who visited Fiji in 2024 and hosted Robyn in Sydney during a short-term scholarship.
“Robyn also trains online with both Deb and Lynette Moreno, an AER coach from the Philippines who recently traveled to Fiji to prepare Robyn for Tokyo,” Alvarado confirms.
At just 17, Robyn is no stranger to accolades. She was named the 2022 Fiji Sports Awards Female Young Athlete of the Year, a reflection of her growing influence in the sport. But as the spotlight turns to Tokyo, Robyn admits the pressure is real.
“She feels the pressure to represent Fiji is very tough, especially being the first,” Maria explained.
“Expectations are difficult to manage, but she wants to be a role model — especially for other athletes who face similar challenges. She wants to show them that with passion and persistence, they too can break through.
“In the world of AER, Robyn draws inspiration from Japan’s Riri Kitazume and Turkey’s Ayse Onbasi. More broadly, she looks up to Olympic breakdancer B-girl Logistx, whose journey of artistic athleticism mirrors Robyn’s own.”
A gifted visual artist, she takes commissions for digital art and volunteers as an art teacher for Project 42’s community classes. Her love for anime, dystopian fiction, and cyberpunk culture adds another layer to the vibrant personality behind Fiji’s rising gymnastics star. With her country’s support behind her and the international community watching, Robyn Eastgate isn’t just chasing medals — she’s paving the way for the next generation of Pacific gymnasts.
