Saskia Brothers shows style and finesse as she stars in judo and ballet
Saskia Brothers is coupling ballet and martial arts so delightfully well that she is catching the eye of those who matter in both fields.
Local Sports Stars
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sports Stars. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Saskia Brothers is coupling ballet and martial arts so delightfully well that she is catching the eye of those who matter in both fields.
The Castle Hill girl, 14, took silver in the Nationals, and gold at the NSW, Queensland and the Gold Coast championships in her under 57kg judo category, to underline her phenomenal season so far.
This week’s nominee for the Local Sports Star Award is top ranked in the national points table and has represented Australia.
Saskia was the youngest competitor in judo at the 2017 Youth Commonwealth Games in the Bahamas, but was still able to finish fifth in the 14-17 year category.
She won silver at the Oceania championships, but she skipped World Cadet Championships.
“Ballet and judo compliment each other in many ways,” said Saskia, who trains at Budokan Judo Club, Castle Hill.
“Both teach discipline and teach the body great control.
“The core work in ballet helps me with balance which is needed in judo and the leg muscles used to stand on my toes in pointe work helps strengthen me, which is also a great help with my judo.
“I began ballet aged two at preschool and loved it.
“My mum enrolled me in the Robyn Kirkland School of Ballet when I was three.
“I am now in my last couple of years of learning the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus in preparation for my final examinations.
“My journey with judo began at age five when I used to watch my brother train and run around on the mat.
“My coach suggested I put my energy to good use and so I joined the juniors class when I began kindergarten.”
Saskia said qualifying for two international events were her judo highlights this year.
“Although I lost my bronze medal match at (the Commonwealth Youth Games), it was definitely the best experience I’ve had.
“I want to keep training and competing to maintain my ranking and also want to build more experience in international competitions and to keep improving and to hold more titles.”
Deep dive: Stars to watch at Aus Interschool Surfing Titles
More than 2000 of the country’s best young surfers will compete in the inaugural Australian Interschools Surfing Championships on the Gold Coast. We reveal the must-watch stars who will make history here.
Revealed: Players you need to watch at National Netball Championships
Future Diamonds will shine on the court at the National Netball Championships. Find out which players you should be keeping an eye on during the week-long tournament.