Elena Chipizubov’s excellent state and national results have earned her a spot on the Australian Junior National squad

Seamless performance leads to national selection for Beecroft gymnast

Beecroft gymnast Elena Chipizubov, 14, has made the Australian junior gymnastics squad. Picture: Troy Snook

• Cheltenham champions
• Tight bond a winning recipe

Back-to-back state championship titles has 14 year-old gymnast Elena Chipizubov flying high.

The Beecroft resident was named International Junior 14/15 state champion at this year’s state competition before putting together a near- seamless performance to finish third all-round at the Australian Championships.

Elena finished first on the beam and third on the floor to earn a coveted spot on the Australian Junior National squad.

Elena says she was “proud and excited” on being named in the Australian squad.

“I wasn’t really thinking about making the team before the competition. I try not to think about placings, I just focus on doing my best.”

Elena has her sights set on competing at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Source: WinkiPoP

Elena’s mum Anna says her excellent results can be attributed to her new coach Zhang Zhen.

“Zhen is her inspiration. She trained Liu Xuan to the gold medal at the Sydney Olympics. She’s an amazing beam coach which is Elena’s specialty.”

Under new national coach Mihai Brestyan, Elena now has an eye on competing at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

Elena has been nominated for NewsLocal’s Junior Sports Star-Individual award.

The Local Sports Stars program is searching for outstanding athletes aged under 18, as well as those that love and contribute to making sport a great experience for everyone.

The program has five categories: Junior Sports Star Individual, Junior Sports Star Team, Young Sporting Spirit Individual, Young Sporting Spirit Team and Service to Sport.

To nominate, go to localsportsstars.com.au