Jess Eland bags silver at Australian Gymnastics Championships
JESS Eland took home a silver medal from the recent Australian Gymnastics Championships, but it was her ability to shake off a bad start to the competition that impressed her coach.
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
JESS Eland took home a silver medal from the recent Australian Gymnastics Championships, but it was her ability to shake off a bad start to the competition that impressed her coach.
“She is incredibly positive, determined and resilient,” coach Arlene Hunsdale said.
The Mornington gymnast finished the competition with an individual silver medal for her pet event — the floor — and helped the Victorian ALP Level 7 team to second overall.
Individually, she finished sixth on the Bars, seventh on the Vault, eighth in the All Around and equal 19th on the Beam.
The 12-year-old followed up her national successes in May with another strong performance at the Victorian Championships in June, where she was named Victorian Champion.
Jess trains five times a week for a total of 20 hours with Waverley Gymnastics Centre.
“I do miss a lot of school because I have to leave early to get to training,” Jess said.
“I don’t mind though. I’d rather be at gymnastics than school!”
Now that she is on the national team, Jess is just one level away from her goal of representing Australia at the Olympics.
Jess Eland is a Leader Junior 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 and vouchers from our sponsor Sportsmart are up for grabs.
To find out more, or nominate someone, click here.