WA Gymnasts Contest 2016 State Champs

WA gymnastics fans were treated to a world class field of talent at the Autumn State Championships at the WA Gymnastics Centre in Leederville last weekend.

Dual Olympian Lauren Mitchell utilised the opportunity to compete in a home environment for the first time since rupturing her ACL, as she continues a remarkable comeback bid for a berth at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

On the sidelines, popular local figure Emily Little signed autographs and posed for photos with fans, as she skipped competition having recently returned from a medal winning performance on vault at the Rio Test Event.

Little, like Mitchell, will contest for the one available spot on the Australian women’s artistic roster for the Rio Games at this month’s Australian Gymnastics Championships in Melbourne.

Beijing Olympian Olivia Vivian won the All Around title at the 2016 Autumn State Championships, accruing a total score of 52.300 to finish ahead of WAIS athletes Yasmin Collier (50.000) and Darcy Norman (49.050), whilst Paige James (WAIS) was another to impress local fans, with her vault routine fetching 13.900.

Australian representative gymnast Rianna Mizzen (Qld) showcased a strong beam routine to score 13.500 in another of the night’s highlights.

The 2016 Australian Gymnastics Championships will be held from May 23 – June 4 at Hisense Arena in Melbourne.