Gymnast reaches new heights

Redcliffe PCYC’s Harry Tedford will represent Australia in tumbling at the Coimbra Gym Fest and the Scalabis Cup in Portugal in July.

The 14-year-old has been competing in gymnastics since he was six years old, inspired by his older sister who would practise cartwheels and handstands.

“I first joined HPL recreational gymnastics in Liverpool UK because my older sister Olivia would go,” Harry says.

“I won my first gold medal in the club competition six months after joining, and I was the only boy in the squad of over 50 girls and was the smallest by far.”

Harry and his family moved to Australia when he was eight, where he joined another acrobatics team before moving to Redcliffe PCYC where he has been training for the past five years.

“I originally only participated in tumbling classes but, in the past 12 months, have begun trampolining and double mini too as they all have complementary skills,” he says.

“I currently train 8.5 hours per week after school.”

Harry had to qualify at state competition level before he could be considered for the national team.

Redcliffe PCYC Gymnastics Team Leader and Harry’s coach Alex Lucas explains: “To get selected for the Australian national squad, the athletes have to compete in the international division at national championships and achieve a certain score with their routines.

“The selection committee then review the scores and select the team.”

While Harry has picked up trampolining and double mini, tumbling remains his favourite discipline.

“I love tumbling the most. I love to achieve my goal and will spend hours perfecting a skill until I nail it,” Harry says.

“I love the social side of the sport too, and hanging out with my friends who have the same interests as me.

“I am delighted to have been selected. I have worked exceptionally hard in training to push myself this year, so I was thrilled when I received the email.”

The Coimbra Gym Fest is on from July 5-7, with the Scalabis Cup following from July 11-13.