I began gymnasts at the tender age of 16 months old. I was a sick baby with some balance and co-ordination problems, so the doctors recommended I try kinder gym. I fell in love with the sport instantly! At five I was talent identified by the Western Australian Institute of Sport and began training there for the next 16 years.
Performing my patriotic floor routine to Peter Allen’s ‘I still call Australia home’ in front of 15, 000 screaming Australians at the Sydney 200 Games was one of my best ever Olympic experiences. I felt every emotion portrayed in the music. Truly, an unforgettable moment in my career.
Sport is still a big part of my life even after retirement. I made so many friends during my career, from many different sports, so I am always interested to see how those who are still competing are going. I enjoyed leading a healthy lifestyle as an athlete and as I finished so young I felt it important to continue keeping fit and healthy. These days I enjoy casual jazz/urban dance classes, I continue with a pilates program and jogging a couple of times a week.
Keeping strong values as an athlete was very important to me – with my training partners, coaches and support staff, officials, judges and other competitors. Values such as respect, honesty, caring, acceptance, understanding, leadership, sportsmanship, striving for my personal best to name a few, have become an essential part of who I am and have stayed with me in my new life as a retired athlete.
As far back as I can remember my dream as a gymnast, was to compete in two Olympic Games. The journey to get to this dream far exceeded any of my expectations, giving me an extraordinary and enriched life. Now I dream of becoming a physiotherapist and ultimately a doctor/surgeon.
I love to go see musicals, plays, operas, ballets/dance shows and cirque du soleil.