Prahran rhythmic gymnast Elise Kargiotis twirling to success

RHYTHMIC gymnast Elise Kargiotis isn’t afraid of hard work and it is paying off.

Sports Star nominee Elise Kargiotis, 16. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

ELISE Kargiotis isn’t afraid of hard work.

At just 16 years old she is adept at juggling high school studies — which are ramping up as she approaches her final senior years — with training up to six days a week for almost five hours a day as a gymnast.

But the Prahran teenager doesn’t mind, because she knows that’s what it takes to win.

“I love my coaches and my friends (at training). I never dread going to training,” she said.

After taking up artistic gymnastics as a child, she made the switch to rhythmic gymnastics three years ago.

Since then the rising star has established herself as one to watch in the competitive arena, earlier this year taking home the title of level nine state champion at the 2017 Victorian Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships.

Her mum, Penny, said she was “gobsmacked” at the dedication and achievements of her youngest child.

And in nominating Elise for a Leader Sports Star Award, her coach at Ruyton Rhythmic Gymnastics Club based in Kew, Emma Tankovich, said Elise was an inspiration to younger athletes and a great role model.

“Elise is one of the most humble athletes I have seen in my 20 years of coaching,” she said.

As for goals and aspirations, Elise said she would love to represent the country on the world stage.

She will compete at the 2017 Australian Gymnastics Championships next month (June), and her coach is confident she’ll do one better at this year’s competition, moving from runner up to take out first place.

“If I do well at nationals I could go to Singapore. That wold be my dream, to be on an Australian team,” Elise said.

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