Gymnastics
27 October, 2025
Gymnasts do Natimuk proud at junior state champs
A contingent of gymnasts represented Natimuk and District Gymnastics Club at this month's Junior Victorian Gymnastics Championships, with all athletes producing amazing performances.
At the State Sports Centre in Parkville eight gymnasts represented the club in either individual or team events.
Youngster Madeline Castleman stood out in the level six division three category, where she was placed third overall, including finishing second on the bars and third on the vault.
Elsa Drendel also competed valiantly alongside Castleman in the level six competition.
Jayda Hallam, who competed in the level five competition, had a great championship, including a fourth-place finish in the vault.
The five-girl team of Airlie Doelle, Ava Hausler, Bernardita Del Real, Isla Lannin and Layla Glatz competed in the level four division three team event, where they were placed second overall while finishing first in the vault, beam and floor sections.
Natimuk and District Gymnastics Club coach Lynette Morrow said all eight girls conducted themselves brilliantly throughout the highly competitive championships.
“It was a high-standard competition and the girls, aside from their results, which were excellent, certainly presented themselves very well and represented the club and their region very well,” Morrow said.
“At that level of competition nerves certainly kick in, and there were two in the team who hadn’t competed at a Victorian championships, but with the support of the other team members they certainly kept a hat on things, kept coming and competed very well.
“The club's really proud of them.
“We know that they do a lot fewer hours than other kids from other clubs but the quality that they showed on the weekend showed how hard they work during training, how dedicated they are and how they could compose themselves through a tough competition.”
Drendel and Glatz, competing at their second Victorian Junior Gymnastics Championships, relished the opportunity to compete alongside the best gymnasts in the state, identifying the floor and vault as their favourite events, respectively.
“I think my favourite event to compete in was probably the floor because I get to show and express myself,” Drendel said.
“It was like a really cool venue and we got to compete against people who you don't usually compete against.”
“I enjoy the vault because I like how you run faster and put all your power into it,” Glatz said.
“I really liked the team aspect, because it wasn't just you that did it, you did it with the whole team, and it’s nice to do it with your friends.”
The girls, and numerous other gymnasts, will conclude their season when the club hosts its invitational competition on November 8-9, where more than 300 gymnasts from Victoria and South Australia are set to compete.