Gymnast an Australian and NSW champion

FOR Tylah Otrupcek, gymnastics runs in the family.

Tylah Otrupcek, 13, is a member of a team of gymnasts that trains at Westfield Sports High.

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FOR Tylah Otrupcek, gymnastics runs in the family.

The 13-year-old, of Sydney West Gymsports at Fairfield, has grown up in the gym with mother Kylie working as a coach.

“She first came into the gym as a two-week-old baby,” Mrs Otrupcek said.

Tylah Otrupcek. Pictures: Carmela Roche

“When she was little she used to ask adults to show her their handstand.

“They would just look at her and be completely stunned.”

Tylah, this week’s Local Sports Star nominee, is an all-rounder who specialises in beam and bars.

She was the Australian champion in balance beam last year, came second overall in Australia, and recently won the NSW title for her age group.

Sydney West Gymsports coach Belinda Vine said Tylah was a hard worker.

“She’s an exceptional young athlete,” Ms Vine said. “She sets a great example for younger gymnasts.”

It is a demanding program but Ms Vine said Tylah pushed herself to the max before she left the gym each day.

“She is always completely focused,” Ms Vine said.

“It’s the way she conducts herself that makes us very proud of her – she’s such a professional for someone who is still so young.”

To nominate: localsportsstar.com.au