CONGRATULATIONS Kate Western Rhythmic Gymnastics State Champion.

KATE Western, 16, twisted and turned gracefully to take out the NSW Level 10 Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships in July 2009.  Kate, of Yowie Bay, is coached by former Olympic rhythmic gymnast Danielle LeRay.

Her first place gave The McDonald College Year 11 student an opportunity to represent NSW at the Australian Championships in Brisbane in August and we're pleased to report Kate finished 1st overall and was announced State Champion for Level 10, quite an achievement.

Kate's success this year continues her impressive form from last year, when she travelled to US with her Meriden Rhythmic Gymnastic Centre team.

She finished third in a competition in Seattle, and sixth in an event in Los Angeles which included gymnasts from Europe, Canada and New Zealand. LeRay said she was hopeful her charge would finish in the top three of the Australian championships.

Kate has been selected as a Level 10 Reserve to represent Australia in the Rhythmic Gymnastics competition at the 2009 Gymsports New Zealand National Championships to be held in Hamilton from the 26-30 September 2009.

Kate said her main goal is to gain a trial for the 2010 Commonwealth Games team and then aim for the one Australasian spot at the 2012 Olympic games in London.

Well done Kate, we're proud of your achievements and the whole College is barracking for you.

Rhythmic gymnastics combines dance and gymnastics with the use of apparatus such as balls, hoops and ribbons. For those of us who don't know much about Rhythmic Gymnasts, here is an overview.

RHYTHMIC GYMNASTS
Rhythmic Gymnasts compete on a floor area of 13 metres square, to musical accompaniment. Harmony between the gymnast, the apparatus and the music plus required difficulties are necessary to achieve a balanced composition. The apparatus must be used in both hands, thrown into the air and be kept in constant motion.

The following apparatus are used in Rhythmic Gymnastics: 

The rope may be in hemp or of a synthetic material which retains the qualities of lightness and suppleness. Fundamental requirements include leaps over the rope and skipping. Other elements include swings, throws, circles, rotations and figures of eight. 

The hoop may be plastic or wood. Fundamental requirements include rotation around the hand or body and rolling. Swings, circles, figures of eight, throws, passes through and over the hoop are other elements which should be included. Because of its size (80 - 90cms in diametre) technical handling is difficult. 

The ball is made of rubber or synthetic material and is 18 - 20 cms in diametre. It should rest in the gymnast's hand and not rest against the wrist or be able to be grasped. Fundamental elements include throwing, bouncing or rolling. The gymnast must use both hands and work on the whole floor area whilst showing continuous flowing movement.

The clubs are made of wood or synthetic material and characterised by rhythmical tapping. Fundamental elements include mills and small circles, asymmetric movements, throwing and catching. The Clubs must be used in both hands and in one hand. It is one of the more difficult pieces of apparatus to use. 

The ribbon is 6 metres in length and probably the most popular event for the spectators. The movements should be large, smooth and flowing. It requires a high degree of co-ordination to form the spiral and circles as any knots which accidentally form in the ribbon are penalised. Fundamental elements include swings, circles, serpents and spirals.