Joshua de-Roo aims to build on state success at Australian national artistic gymnastics championships

JOSHUA de-Roo is this week’s Local Sports Star nominee thanks to some superb efforts across all gymnastics disciplines at the state championships.

Joshua de-Roo, 14, is a Local Sports Star nominee. Picture: Peter Kelly

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JOSHUA de-Roo is this week’s Local Sports Star nominee thanks to some superb efforts across all gymnastics disciplines at the recent state championships.

De-Roo finished second in the overall competition of the men’s artistic gymnastics and will now go on to compete in the nationals next week.

“I was really happy to come second. At the start I was neat in my routines and I was trying to place in the top three and stand on the podium,” he said.

Joshua de-Roo will compete at the national gymnastics championships in Melbourne.

The 14-year-old, who trains for 20 hours a week and often need to tape up his hands due to blisters, can make the national team this year with a good performance next week.

He was first reserve in 2016 but wants to go one better this year.

“I want to place in the top 10 at nationals,” he said.

“I want to master my routines there and stick my landings. I’m confident because training’s been good.”

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.

Details: www.localsportsstars.com.au