More than 700 athletes from across the country gathered in Launceston, Tasmania, in October to showcase their athleticism and talent across 10 sports.
NSW sent Ashley Kuhle, Ellen Maher and Kaylen McDonald, who train at the Revesby gymnastics club, to compete across men and women’s artistic gymnastics.
McDonald dominated Division 4 – Level 2/3, especially in vault with a score of 19.58. The 17-year-old placed first in all apparatus and won the all-around gold with a total score of 104.81.
“The highlight of the competition for me was meeting new friends and competing at my best,” he said.
“I also learned about the Special Olympics Oath – let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
In the women’s Division 3 – Level 3/4, Kuhle won a silver medal for her beam routine, with a score of 16.93.
Training partner Maher, who competed in the same division, took home an all-around bronze with an overall score of 70.81 and a bronze for her vault routine.
The 23-year-old said she loved meeting old friends and making new ones throughout the event.
“I learned what skills I needs to work on,” she said. “I also learned that sometimes the difference between placings is tiny.”
A Y Bankstown spokesperson said: “This team have really shown gymnastics is for all abilities and ages.”
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