Antonia Ballas earns finals finish at Australian Gymnastics Championships

Antonia Ballas hasn’t let anxiety stop her from cementing her place as one of Australia’s best young trampolinists

Antonia Ballas competing at the 2019 Australian Gymnastics Championships.

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For many young athletes, mental health is just as important as physical fitness.

It’s a delicate balance that elite trampolinist Antonia Ballas deals with every single day.

As well as being a dual state trampoline champion, the Kellyville Ridge 14-year-old frequently battles with anxiety.

“I experience anxiety and get extremely nervous before each and every competition,” Antonia said.

“This has always been a challenge for me. I’m still learning how to deal with it — sometimes with success, other times not so much. It’s an unforgiving sport and once you crash out on tramp during competition, you can’t just get back on and finish your routine.

“Mental toughness is required and this is the biggest challenge for me.”

Antonia hasn’t let anxiety get in the way of becoming a dual state champion.

One of Australia’s most talented young trampolinists, Antonia has never let her struggles keep her down.

After taking out state titles in individual and double mini trampoline earlier this year, Antonia earned a finals appearance at last month’s Australian Gymnastics Championships.

“My biggest success has been juggling my school work and excelling at school while also maintaining a heavy training regimen and learning all the necessary skills required for my sport,” she said.

“I am the youngest NSW girl competing in the Junior International Division and I’m thrilled I made finals this year at nationals. In the past I have secured the silver medal at nationals for double mini and have won state champs before too.

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“My ultimate long term goal is to simply continue in the sport while balancing the HSC. Not necessarily at world champ level, but just keep enjoying it and give back to the younger kids by coaching.”

Antonia is this week’s Rouse Hill Times nominee for the 2019 Local Sports Stars competition, which is proudly sponsored by Featherdale Wildlife Park and Bankstown Sports.

To nominate someone you know, go to localsportsstars.com.au