Heathergene Calisthenics Coldstream dancer Aria Sommerville soloist champion

It took strong will and determination for a young Coldstream dancer to achieve state champion. Now Aria Sommerville wants to see glory for her entire calistenics team.

Calisthenics star Aria Sommerville

Nominee: Aria Sommerville, 12

Suburb: Coldstream

Sport: Calisthenics

Club: Heathergene Calisthenics

Coach: Heather Sheekey and Kayla Gray

How old were you when you took up your sport? Six

How did you get involved in this sport? I have always loved dancing and calisthenics was a combination of gymnastics, ballet and acro so it was the perfect fit.

Recent competitions:

— Callisthenics Victoria State Championship 2019 Callisthenics Physical Soloist winner.

Recent awards:

— Victorian champion 2019; and

— district competitions include two seconds, a fourth and fifth place.

Your biggest success? Winning the Victorian state championships for my solo. My coach and I worked so hard with many, many hours of training and practice so it was super exciting when all that hard work paid off.

Describe your training routine: I train three times a week, these include team class on Saturday, callisthenics ballet on a Wednesday and strength and conditioning on a Tuesday. I would train with solos on either a Tuesday or Saturday before class.

What do you love most about your sport? The friendships, it’s fun, I have learnt new skills that I can take with me in everyday life such as hard work, dedication, teamwork and determination. The sparkly costumes are good fun too.

SUARES VAULTS TO NEW HIGHS

ISHI HAS ALL THE RIGHT MOVES

SWIMMER MAKES WAVES AT WORLD GAMES

Toughest challenge you’ve faced in your sport: At my first solo competition this year, I unfortunately got really, really nervous and my mind blanked while on stage. I couldn’t get through my routine and was upset and disappointed in myself. I went home and practised for hours and hours until I was confident nothing was going to shake me. I have worked up to being state champion and I believe that first competition made me determined to succeed.

What is your ultimate sporting goal? I love being ambitious and smashing goals, now that I am the Victorian state champion for my solo, I would love for my team to be the Victorian state champions for 2019 too.

Sporting heroes? Misty Copeland

‘I couldn’t have done this without …’ Kayla Gray, Heather Sheekey, Lauren Brown

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