Jets Gymnastics has organised the chance for its squad members to spend time with former Australian Olympian Emma Nedov, but it will be more than just a meet and greet.
On Friday, the 2024 Paris Olympian will watch Shepparton squad gymnasts train before offering a session speaking about her journey to the pinnacle of gymnastics, as well as the mindset required of a professional athlete.
In addition, parents can also learn from the session about how best to support their young athletes, as Shepparton’s youth prospects aim for the stars - or perhaps in this case, the bars on the Olympic floor of Los Angeles in 2028, or Brisbane in 2032.
Jets Gymnastics manager Giles Pritchard stated it was a first for the town to have an Olympian dedicate time for an in-depth session, let alone swing by the club.
“It is a singular opportunity, we have never had a former Olympian come to our facility in the time we’ve been running here in Shepparton,” Pritchard said.
“It’ll be a wonderful opportunity to hear from someone who has reached the highest level.
“We had two of our squad girls down in Melbourne for a function Nedov was speaking at, and the girls had a really good time with her and their families asked about whether she would come up to Shepparton.”
From there, the ball got rolling.
Pritchard expects Nedov to inspire a talented crop of youth gymnasts and also explain the intricacies of being a professional athlete, helping the Jets juniors understand what it takes to reach the highest level.
“Emma’s been through the ups and downs of being a professional athlete, and in doing so reached the pinnacle of this sport,” he said.
“She will share the mindset required. It’ll be a great inspiration.
“For parents whose children are so heavily invested in a sport like gymnastics, they know the tough work and determination it takes with some kids training 16, 18 hours a week.
“To hear someone who’s reached the peak speak about the best way to support their children will only be beneficial.”
Nedov also represented Australia in 2014 and 2018 at the gymnastics world championships, and is affectionately known as the ‘Beam Queen’ for her talents on the balance beam.
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