Victorian rhythmic gymnast Taylor Tirahardjo has produced four fantastic routines in the All Around qualification in Singapore today.

She is really pleased with her performance and summed up beautifully what the Youth Olympic Games are all about.
“I’m really happy. I did exactly what I wanted to do,” Tirahardjo said.

“I don’t really care about the scores I just wanted four clean routines and to do my best. I’m particularly happy with the clubs routine as it went much better than it has been in training.”

The 15-year-old placed 16th amongt the best 18 girls in the world. In front of a vocal and supportive crowd she started the day with hoop (20.400), followed by rope (20.500), then clubs (20.275) and finished with her favourite apparatus the ball (20.475) - for a total score of 81.650 points.

She was 10 points off eighth and the qualifying score needed for Wednesday’s final. Her artistic and execution scores were comparable however her difficulty scores let her down. But she is already planning for that.

“When I get home I’m going to work on new routines for next year with my coach [Emma Tankovich] and add more difficult skills.”

In Singapore, group coach Delia Halmu has been tirelessly helping Tirahardjo.

“She did well. She did the best she could,” Halmu said.

Tirahardjo can now relax and get involved with the cultural experiences. She has been loving the Athletes’ Village and the whole experience.

“This has been amazing. Competing in front of this crowd and in this venue.

“It has been a once in a lifetime experience. I definitely want to keep training hard and try for London [2012 Olympics].”

The Russian gold medal and crowd favourite is Alexandra Merkulova. She qualified in top spot for the final with 103.425.

Tonight, Australian girls Fotini Panselinos, Soriah MacLean, Morgan Turner and Summer Walker will contest the Group All-Around qualification.

Andrew Reid
AOC