Victoria Park gymnast Mackenzie Zanette, fresh from success at her first interstate Border Challenge, trains 18 hours a week in pursuit of nationals selection

Rockhampton teenager Mackenzie Zanette has taken the first major step on her representative journey and is doing even more of the hard yards in the hopes of emulating the feats of her father Dave Zanette, a decorated touch football player. Read about the rising star’s next goal.

Victoria Park Gymnastics and Trampoline Club member Mackenzie Zanette represented Queensland for the first time at last month's Border Challenge.

Queensland gymnast Mackenzie Zanette, daughter of a touch football icon Dave Zanette, has taken the first major step on her own representative journey.

The Rockhampton teenager has just returned from representing Queensland at the Border Challenge, a two-day interstate competition for Level 6 to 8 artistic gymnasts.

Mackenzie, 14, was instrumental in Queensland being crowned champions, with her third placings in the beam and vault contributing to the state’s overall success in those two apparatus.

Victoria Park Gymnastics and Trampoline Club member Mackenzie Zanette represented Queensland for the first time at last month's Border Challenge.

Her state debut has left the Level 8 competitor wanting more, with her sights now set on nationals.

The rising star would love nothing more than to enjoy the success of her father Dave, who has played for Queensland and Australia since he was 16, and is headed to his third World Cup in England this weekend.

Mackenzie said it was a “really good feeling” to represent Queensland, and it was great to contribute to the team’s victory.

Individually, she came eighth overall on the first day and 15th on the second day.

“Next year, I want to compete in Level 9 and then try to take the next step and make the national team,” she said.

Dave could not be prouder of his daughter and the commitment she has shown.

Victoria Park gymnast Mackenzie Zanette with coach Kaylin Norris.

Mackenzie trains under highly credentialed coach Kaylin Norris at the Victoria Park Trampoline and Gymnastics Club.

“At the moment, they train 18 hours a week. They do six hours on Mondays and another three four-hour sessions on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday,” Dave said.

“I’ve done a lot of touch training over the years but definitely not 18 hours a week, that’s for sure.

“The only sport that would come close is swimming.”

Dave said that from a parent’s perspective, to have a child dedicate so much time and effort to something augured well for all aspects of their life.

He knows firsthand the countless benefits of sport and was keen for his children to reap the rewards as well.

“I thought it was good for the girls to get into something for their strength and mobility,” he said.

Mackenzie Zanette pictured in 2019.

“Mackenzie started gymnastics when she was three… and her love for it just grew from there.

“She’s pretty competitive. She works hard so it’s recognition for her efforts when she gets to go to competitions.

“To make a Queensland side from Central Queensland is really impressive when you consider the number of strong clubs in Brisbane.”

Mackenzie competes in vault, uneven bars, beam and floor and said the last of them was her favourite because “you get to choose your own music and be yourself”.

She said gymnastics allowed her to meet new people, form good relationships and inspire young people.

She is also quick to recite some of the most valuable advice she has received from her coach.

“She’s taught me that you should never give up and even when no one thinks you can do it, you have to keep believing in yourself,” she said.