SXL Athletes
21
International athletes
Pairs & Trios
age divisions
11-16, 12-18, 13-19
11-16, 12-18, 13-19
20 +
hours training
About the SXL International Squad
- 21 young women from ages 10 through to 17: Year 6 to Year 12
- Teamed in pairs and trios in age divisions
- This is the elite level of SXL gymnasts
- All athletes typically start gymnastics from early ages
- One of 4 competition squads run by SXL, with a combined total of over 100 athletes
What it takes to be an International Squad SXL Athlete
- 20+ Hours training
- Base Training 4 sessions per week
- + Auxiliary Training: Dance, Choreography, Ballet plus additional specialised sessions
- + Guest International coaches from time to time
- + Physical fitness and strength, dietary focus
- All while balancing busy school and study lives
- Significant sacrifices for these young women and their families
Competitions
- Domestic: NSW State level, National Championships, National Clubs
- Overseas: World Age Group Championships , Las Vegas Acro Cup, Flanders International Acro Cup
- The Team needs to travel with coaches and judges and usually their parents to support from the sidelines
Outcomes
It’s not only about being a great gymnast, but life lessons as well:
- Experience, Responsibility, Trust, Teamwork, Dedication
- Hard work ethic, Diligence, Focus, Adaptability
- Goal setting: to achieve and strive to be their best, to aim for outcomes and set targets
- Strong and lasting friendships amongst team, club and all competitors local and abroad
27
NSW State Team representatives
1,000 +
enrolled gymnasts
12
times – NSW Club of the year
Balance
routine –static holds and pyramids
3000
diamantes!
Dynamic
throws, catches somersaults and twists
Family Support
- Importantly, this International level sport, at this point in time, is self-funded
- High cost items include training sessions, travel, accommodation, event registration, leotards
- Auxiliary costs include: choreography, music editing, physiotherapy, transport to training even with car-pooling, chaperoning costs, subsidising coaches travel costs – it all adds up
- The other major impact on families is time – but we do so for the benefits the sport brings to our girls.