Balwyn North’s Jessica McKenzie is excelling in multiple sports

AN INNER east schoolgirl is running, throwing, jumping, dancing and twirling her way to national success.

Jessica McKenzie is excelling in both rythmic gymnastics and athletics. Picture: Christopher Chan.

A KEW schoolgirl is running, throwing, jumping, dancing and twirling her way to national success.

Jessica McKenzie has recently returned home with a gold medal in heptathlon at the under-17 level from the national championships held in Sydney.

While Jessica has discovered a penchant for all seven athletic disciplines with a special focus on pole vault and javelin, she is also a level nine rhythmic gymnast and an accomplished dancer.

The 15-year-old MLC student said she trained for 21 to 24 hours every week, which included four hours each night after school for gymnastics.

“I actually don’t really know how I fit it all in,” Jessica said. “There are some times it’s a bit of a strain on homework, but everything seems to work out.”

Jessica said she realised early on that her athletic prowess was in a multitude of sports.

“Pole vault is my real passion and my javelin I recently threw a personal best,” she said.

“But I realised I’m probably not going to be an expert in one discipline, so that’s why the heptathlon works well for me.

“You don’t have to be the best in everything, but as long as you’re reasonable in a lot of events, you can do well.”

Jessica also spends time learning to dance, but admits that is more of a relaxation opportunity which she can enjoy with friends.

Jessica is a Leader Local Sports Star nominee.

Leader Local Sports Stars medallists will be named in seven categories including juniors, teams, individuals, and encouragement.

The program is now a national celebration, and junior category winners will be judged for national awards.

Cash prizes as well as vouchers from our sponsor Sportsmart are up for grabs.

For full details and to nominate an athlete, go to localsportsstars.com.au