Prahran gymnast Kipp Smith is nominated for Leader Sports Star award

Mastering new skills and pushing limits is taking a Prahran future star on an Olympic path. Here, Kipp Smith tells us why he loves his sport and what drives him to succeed.

Prahran gymnast Kipp Smith (right) with his coach Dion Pocklington after his silver medal win at the Pacific Rim championships at Houston, Texas, last year.

How did you get involved in this sport?

As a young child with my brothers. Dad hoped I would be a pole vaulter like him.

Have you competed at the Victorian Championships (or higher)?

Yes, Pacific Rim Championships at Houston, Texas, in 2018, where I won a silver medal; plus five Victorian Championships for four all around champion titles.

What are your recent awards?

State champion 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2019; national pommel champion 2017, 2018 and junior national squad 2017 and 2018.

What has been your biggest success?

Winning the silver medal in Houston, placing second to Japan’s reigning youth Olympic Champion on pommel.

What do you love most about your sport?

The physical challenges — when you master a new skill and there is always another one to try.

Kipp Smith, gymnast, is a Leader Sport Star nominee

Describe the toughest challenge you’ve faced in your sport?

Getting through the stress fracture of my back and the rehab involved in that.

What is your ultimate sporting goal?

Senior representation for Australia, then to make the Commonwealth Games, World Cup and Olympic Games teams.

Who are your sporting heroes?

My national teammates, but I couldn’t have done this without my mum, dad and my coach Dion Pocklington

Are you, or do you know, someone who has played sport at a state level or higher? Nominate as a Leader Sports Star at heraldsun.com.au/leader/localsportsstars