Bayswater gymnasts reach for the stars after placing at competition

BAYSWATER Star-Mites gymnasts Bridget Meade and Niamh Collins will never forget their first experience competing at a national level.

After qualifying for the 2013 WA State Elite Gymnastics Team, Bridget (12) and Niamh (11) headed to Sydney to compete in the Australian 2013 Gymnastics Championships from July 11-16.

The girls said they were excited to compete nationally and went over with the goal to have fun, learn new skills and meet new people.

Placing was the last thing on the girls’ minds but, to their surprise, they each placed in their apparatus specialties, with Bridget coming fourth in vault and floor and Niamh fourth on bars.

Following the five-day competition, the girls headed to Canberra to attend the Australian Institute of Sport Gymnastics Team Future training camp from July 18-20.

After learning from Australian Olympic gymnastic coaches, the girls are aspiring to become Olympians, training around 20 hours a week.