The National Championships for Level 6 to 9 was held at Sleeman Sports Centre, Chandler, Queensland, from 2nd to 7th July. Day 1, Wed. 4th., representing the State of Victoria, my Team competed in Level 8 Open & won the Bronze Medals. To compete for the National All Round Champion title, I had to perform on all 6 apparatus at Day 1 (Wed 4th) & Day 2 (Fri. 6th.) The 6 apparatus are the floor, pommel, rings, vault, parallel bars & high bar. I was excited & nervous having to compete against the best gymnasts from inter-state. I was placed ranking 1 on the 1st day. Gymnastics Australia selected me as one of their team gymnast to represent Australia to vs the New Zealand team at Day 2. My team mates, coaches & friends gave me their support through out the event. Day 2, I won the gold medal for parallel bars. Won the silver medal for rings & vault. My greatest victory is winning the National All Round Level 8 Open Championships Title & Australia Team won the gold medals against New Zealand Team.

2007 Men’s Artistic Gymnastics National Championships in Brisbane

Victorian gymnasts who wishes to be part of the Victorian Team, had to compete in Trial 1 held on the 15^th April and Trial 2, 19^th May. Gymnastics Victoria selects the All Round ranking 1^st to 6^th  gymnast to represent their State for the National Championships, early July. At Trial 1, I performed outstandingly. My All Round average score was 72.60 after competing in all the 6 apparatus.. I was the Ranking 1. At Trial 2, I displayed skilful routines to capture the All round Title with an average score of 75.25. Based on my results, I was selected as a gymnast to represent the State of Victoria in the Level 8 Open Team for the National Championships. The competition is being held at Sleeman Sports Complex, Brisbane.However, this is self-funded. My Brisbane trip cost approx. $2000.00 which covers the returned flight, accommodation, transport, meals and uniform. Families and friends helped a little by contributing a small part of the finance.

Representing the State of Victoria, I competed in all the 6 apparatus; floor, pommel, rings, vault, parallel bars & horizontal bar. Using my training experience in acrobatic, flexibility, strength, co-ordination and balance skills, I captured the Level 8 Open Individual All Round Championship Title against 34 gymnasts from other states; Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia & ACT. My Team claimed the Bronze medals. For the Apparatus Finals and All Round, I won the Gold medal on Parallel Bars, Silver medals on Rings & Vault and captured the All Round Championship Title. I was nervous having to compete against interstate gymnasts.

 Due to my outstanding achievement and ranking 1, Gymnastics Australia selected me to be one of the Australian team gymnast to represent the country to verse the New Zealand Team at the 2nd day of the competition. Australian Team won the event. 

A great victory for me bringing home a total of 6 medals. Once again,Gymnastics Australia has selected me as a gymnast for the 2007 National Open Levels Tour to represent Australia at the South African National Championships in October. However, this is a self-funded event which will cost approx. $5000.00. I have to raise funds by seeking donation to enable me to fulfil my dreams. Please consider making a donation towards me being able to represent Australia. Please click on the ‘Make a Donate’ button on the left hand side and following the instructions or leave a message.

My parents are exceptionally proud with my victories & achievements. Same goes for my gymnastics club, coaches, Gymnastics of Victoria, family & friends.

Kevin James

Australia’s Level 8 Open Champion