National trampoline champion and Local Sports Star nominee Nicolas Ballas can go far
YOUNG Kellyville Ridge gymnast Nicolas Diaz Ballas has the fire and determination to compete at the highest level in Australia and win.
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YOUNG Kellyville Ridge gymnast Nicolas Diaz Ballas has the fire and determination to compete at the highest level in Australia and win.
This 10-year-old is the newly-crowned national champion in the under-11 synchronised trampoline and just missed out on gold in individual trampoline and double mini trampoline. He was a member of the dominant Castle Hill RSL team at the nationals.
This week’s nominee for the Local Sports Star Award is also a dual state champion in trampoline, sacrificing his social life to train six days a week and limiting involvement in other sports.
The budding star started kindy gym at Castle Hill RSL aged three, being inspired by elder sister Antonia, who now competes at the International Stream - Youth division of trampoline.
“My biggest achievement is coming first at the nationals this year in synchro, because I only got to practice with my partner a few times only before the comp — he lives near Cessnock — but we still won,” said Nicolas, who attends St John XXIII Catholic Primary School, Stanhope Gardens.
“I was really proud.
“My short term goals are to get some new skills especially a half-out tuck on trampoline (double somersault with a half twist) and a barani tuck, double back pike on the double mini trampoline.
“I also want to have a trampoline routine that has lots of double somersaults all the way through it.
“My long term goals are to represent Australia at the world championships and maybe one day the Olympics like Blake Gaudry.”
Nicolas began his nationals career with a surprising gold in 2015 when after being entered for experience by his coach, he went on to win the level 4 title against older opponents.
Nicolas is also the Catholic primary schools gymnastic champion and tops in cross country at his school.
He was coached by former Rouse Hill Times Junior Sports Star Dominic Clarke but is currently coached by Jessie Tulett.
The awards are sponsored by rebel, Featherdale Wildlife Park, Rooty Hill RSL, SportsTG and Your Local Club.
■ To nominate someone or find out more about the program visit: localsportsstars.com.au
■ 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.
■ We also want to celebrate the parents, coaches and volunteers that help make it all possible.
■ There are five categories to nominate people in: Junior Sports Star Individual, Junior Sports Star Team, Young Sporting Spirit Individual, Young Sporting Star Team and Service to Sport.
■ The awards are sponsored by rebel, Featherdale Wildlife Park, Rooty Hill RSL, SportsTG and Your Local Club.
■ To nominate someone or find out more about the program visit: www.localsportsstars.com.au
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