Illawarra Academy of Sport LoneStar Gymnast’s Miranda Blades, Shiira De Horta, Olivia Falconer and Ruby Pass have been recognized for future State Teams following training workshops and skill development programs. The result was an excellent one for The Academy and the Carmel & Co club which prides themselves on giving talented members a pathway to the state team and their dream of one day representing Australia. The girls will attend numerous workshops throughout the year featuring some of the best coaching in Australia and across the world. All squads are based on both age and ability in areas such as strength and National Skills Testing System, which tracks gymnasts throughout their career in gymnastics in Australia. Three of the four IAS athletes recognized are currently ranked in the top ten in their age division within this skill testing system. Pass is ranked first in the 9-Years division, while Falconer is second in 12-Years and Blades is seventh in 13-Years. Pass, Falconer and Blades are preparing for their upcoming State Trials at the Sydney Gymnastic and Aquatic Centre in the coming weeks, with Ruby and Olivia competing in International Level 10 and Miranda competing Junior for the first time. Carmel & Co senior coach Carmel Blades believed “this will kick off an exciting competition season for the girls, who look forward to the chance to represent NSW at the Australian Championships in Melbourne in May”. Adding that “We are looking forward to a great year, the girls are all training hard”.
