New gymnastics star unveiled

Gymnasts, from front left, Abbie Beetson, Tayla Findlay, Camryn Pegg, and Grace Voss. In the background are Chelsea Sproule, Shakaya Templeton, Cayley Voss and Courtney Dunshea.

Mike Knott

THE profile of Coral Isle PCYC Gymnastics soared after a record medal spree at the Maroochy Beach Invitational.

Bundaberg's pint-sized gymnasts impressed judges at the two-day competition, showing aptitude for all apparatus and bringing home 22 medals.

Coral Isle PCYC gymnastics co-ordinator Jenelle Duff was all smiles after returning from the event. She hoped her young gymnasts would be equally dominant in the upcoming Yeppoon Invitational.

“The girls are really starting to come into their own. They deserve the medals. They've been putting in a lot of hard work,” Duff said.

Little Abbie Beetson stood out among her lycra-clad peers, swinging, wheeling and somersaulting her way to victory in the over-7 bar, beam and floor categories. She was named overall winner of the category.

Beetson is new to the sport after hitting the mats six months ago.

What Beetson lacked in experience, she made up for with enthusiasm and dedication, Duff said.

“She's a quiet achiever,” she said.

“She just puts her head down and goes for it.”