Mitchell Claims Gymnastics State Crown

WAIS gymnasts Lauren Mitchell, Dasha Joura and Olivia Vivian were all in action on Saturday at the Western Australian State Gymnastics Championships, held at the girls training base in Challenge Stadium.

It was the final opportunity for the girls to hone their skills in competition mode before they head for Melbourne, where they will attempt to qualify for the Australian Olympic gymnastics team.

In some what of an upset, 17 year-old Lauren Mitchell claimed the state title after a fine all-round display earned her a career personal best score of 60.20, just eclipsing Joura who finished with 60.05.

Mitchell was delighted to earn a first state championship, but remained focused on May’s selection trials in Melbourne.

“I’m quite happy about it but really I was just focused on doing my work,” Mitchell said.

“I’m not too worried about (personal bests). This competition was great practice to get out there and practice my program.

“Now we’ve got a week of simulation to get our mind and body ready for the national championships.”

Vivian also sparkled achieving a personal best score in the uneven bars, her pet event, but also showed she could perform on the big stage in the floor and beam routines.

The friendly rivalry within the WAIS gymnastic squad has helped push the girls to a higher level of competition, a fact that is not lost on Joura, who is widely regarded as Australia’s top gymnast.

“It’s one of the strongest teams Australia’s had for a long time. I think we all really rallied to show everyone what we’re made of and to get up there,” said Joura.

“We’re really lucky to have such a strong team.”

National trials and Olympic selections begin in Melbourne on May 22.