Local gymnasts shine on international stage

Three young Woombye gymnasts have returned from New Zealand with a haul of medals, an artistry award and valuable international experience after strong performances at the 2026 Canterbury Senior Championships.

Sunshine Coast Gymnastics Academy athletes Chloe Abdou, Holly Russell and Ayesha Youlten represented the community-based club across three different competition levels, taking on strong opposition from across New Zealand.

Chloe competed in Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Level 7, delivering an impressive performance to finish third in the all-around competition. She also claimed second place on both bars and beam, along with third place on vault.

In Level 8, Holly claimed second place on vault and was also part of the second-placed mixed team.

Ayesha competed in the International Junior division and produced an outstanding all-round result, finishing second on bars and second overall.

She also secured third-place finishes on vault, beam and floor and received an Artistry Award in recognition of her performance.

The results capped a memorable overseas opportunity for the three athletes, who travelled to New Zealand in August accompanied by Sunshine Coast Gymnastics Academy Head Coach Rimma Lazarus.

Rimma said the experience was invaluable to the athletes’ development, both as gymnasts and as young people.

Along with testing themselves against international competition, the girls gained exposure to different coaching and judging environments and formed friendships with gymnasts from across New Zealand.

The club said Chloe, Holly and Ayesha had also been exceptional ambassadors for Sunshine Coast Gymnastics Academy and the wider Sunshine Coast, demonstrating sportsmanship, resilience and professionalism throughout the championships.

The warm welcome from the New Zealand gymnastics community was another highlight of the trip, with the athletes returning home with more than medals and awards.

They also brought back new friendships, memories and greater experience of competing away from home. The girls are already enthusiastic about the possibility of returning to New Zealand for future events, while the academy would also welcome the opportunity to host New Zealand gymnasts on the Coast.

The trip followed years of training and preparation for Chloe, Holly and Ayesha and marked an important milestone for the not-for-profit Woombye club.

Sunshine Coast Gymnastics Academy said it was incredibly proud of the way the three athletes represented their teammates, families, club and community on the international stage.

For more information or to sign up for a free trial class, phone 5442 2600 or visit www.sunshinecoastgymnastics.com.au (http://www.sunshinecoastgymnastics.com.au/).

Sunshine Coast Gymnastics Academy athletes Chloe Abdou, Holly Russell and Ayesha Youlten with coach Coach Rimma Lazarus.