Junior Sports Star: Sonia Lam a quadruple threat in gymnastics

In Bankstown YMCA gymnasium trains a quadruple threat. Her name is Sonia Lam, and she somersaults from vault to beam, floor and bars.

Sonia Lam in her second home at Bankstown YMCA. Picture: Melvyn Knipe

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In Bankstown YMCA gymnasium trains a quadruple threat.

Her name is Sonia Lam, and she somersaults from vault to beam, floor and bars.

The 15-year-old’s choice apparatus is vault — which she landed a second place in at the NSW Gymnastics Championships earlier this year.

Sonia’s strong results will see her progress to level seven next year and her balancing ability isn’t just on the beam.

Sonia Lam uses her balancing skills to juggle gymnastics, school and coaching. Picture: Melvyn Knipe

The young athlete juggles training 16 hours a week, school life and for the past three months she has been a part of the centre’s mentor program, which trains young gymnasts who are learning to become a coach.

While she has only been a part of the program for three months, Sonia is already about to take on her own group of proteges.

Her own coach Dena Christodoulou said the young gymnasts couldn’t be in safer hands.

“She’s just like mother goose, she’s a role model for all the girls and always has a positive attitude,” Ms Christodoulou said.

“She has only been in the program a short time and has excelled. We are optimistic about her future in gymnastics as well as in the centre as a coach.”

Sonia is the latest nominee for the Junior Sports Star award, sponsored by Rebel.

The other categories are Team Spirit, sponsored by SportsTG, Service to Sport and Young Sporting Spirit, sponsored by Simonds Homes.

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