LEONGATHA’S Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) team has seen a fantastic season for the girls, and at their most recent competition – the Waverley Classic – they placed first overall against some of the best clubs in the state.

What made this event special is that many of these clubs benefit from significant funding and state-of-the-art facilities, while Leongatha Gymnastics Club has proudly operated as a not-for-profit for 32 years, providing affordable, quality classes to the community. 

Despite training with second-hand and mismatched equipment, the athletes continue to demonstrate resilience and competitiveness, proving they can match it with the best.

At the Waverley Classic, the team not only secured first place overall but also placed first on every apparatus as a team – Vault, Uneven Bars, Beam, and Floor.

The team now looks ahead to the South-East Regional Championships on September 13-14. This event is the qualifier for the Junior Victorian Championships – an achievement the club has never reached in its 32 years. To qualify, the WAG team will need to win the entire regional competition, as only the top team advances.

Team athletes include Anda Sriraksa, Annabelle Walkley, Billi Olden, Molly Francis, Samara Parke, with their head coach, Lily Akers, training the WAG level four girls, 12 hours a week. 

“The girls began strongly on Vault, followed by standout routines on Uneven Bars – their strongest apparatus,” said Lily. “On Beam, nerves showed during warm-up, including a heavy fall, but every gymnast pushed through to deliver solid routines when it counted. 

“They closed on Floor, showcasing not only technical ability but also artistry and performance. Judges praised the team’s routines, providing valuable feedback as they prepare for Regionals.

“Parents, coaches, and the club community are incredibly proud of what these athletes have achieved so far, and we are excited to see how they finish their season.”