Mentone Girls’ Grammar student Emily Barrow will compete at the Australian Gymnastics Championships at Hisense Arena

GYMNAST Emily Barrow fell in love with the sport in prep and has been involved ever since.

GYMNAST Emily Barrow fell in love with the sport in prep and has been involved ever since.

And this weekend the Mentone Girls’ Grammar School Year 12 student will compete at the Australian Gymnastics Championships at Hisense Arena, taking on 24 other senior gymnasts from across Australia, as well as several from New Zealand.

“I will be performing four routines, with the hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon, “ Emily said.

“My favourite is currently the hoop, but it often fluctuates — usually after a competition my favourite is the one with the least mistakes.”

She hopes to qualify into the finals round for at least one or two apparatuses.

“This will be my tenth National Championships, and as a senior gymnast, I have achieved more than I ever anticipated. I never expected to make it to this elite standard when I first started rhythmic gymnastics as a six-year-old.”

Emily Barrow in action. Picture: Winkipop Media

Throughout her gymnastics career, Emily has had the opportunity to travel and compete in Malaysia, Japan, Ukraine and Romania.

“As I’m studying Year 12, it’s sometimes difficult to juggle school, work and a social life, but gymnastics has taught me the importance of time management, resilience, dedication, and maintaining a great work ethic,” Emily said.

“I would love to continue rhythmic gymnastics after school and see where it takes me. Another trip overseas would be nice.”

Emily will compete in the qualifying rounds of the Australian Gymnastics Championships in the Friday night session from 5.30pm-10pm, and then the finals in the Saturday night session from 6pm-9pm. Both of these events will be live streamed via the Gymnastics Australia website.

Emily is a Leader 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