A MAFFRA gymnast has had her hard work pay-off after achieving a spot in the Victorian Squad for the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) Border Challenge in Queensland on June 27 and 28.
Chloe Jones will travel to Queensland at the end of the month to take on other states, over three days. The 14-year-old is the only regional athlete in the squad, but has attended a training session in Melbourne with the squad, where she met the rest of the athletes and state team coaches. Chloe remarked that she has made nice friends already.
Chloe is from Traralgon, and travels to Maffra three times per week to train and prepare for competitions. A love for the sport and lots of dedication and hard work has made this achievement possible.
The trial process for selection was a two-day event, where all those who nominated, performed their routines on all four apparatus (Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam & Floor Exercise) on consecutive days. Chloe and her coaches were very happy with her results each day. Chloe achieved placings on various apparatus and overall, but the wait began until clubs were notified of the team selections.
On the following Monday night back at training, an email came through with the news. It was a very exciting moment when Chloe’s name appeared on the list. Her coach rang the special bell in the gym that informed people of a special achievement. The announcement was made, and all her Maffra teammates ran to surround her in celebration.
Chloe’s coach reflected that it is very exciting to have a WAG gymnast qualify for a state team, as it has been many years since its last WAG state representative.
Chloe began gymnastics at the age of six, training and competing with Energetics in Traralgon until 2021, when she made the move to Maffra Gymnastic Club.
Chloe hopes to do well on the Uneven Bars as it is the apparatus that she excels on, although she is a very good all-around gymnast.
Maffra Gymnastics have wished Chloe all the best and look forward to hearing her stories.
