Nationals test for 13 Nelsonians

Story by: Nelson Mail - Photo by:

22 Septmber 2010

Thirteen Nelson gymnasts are among the 21 selected in the Top of the South team to contest the 2010 New Zealand National Gymsports Championships which start at Mystery Creek in Hamilton on Friday.

The level 4 girls' team includes four first-time national representatives, two of whom are from Blenheim, with Nelson's Emily Houghton and Georgia Ewers also competing at level 4 for the first time. Nelson's Sarah Wagner is a non-travelling reserve.

Level 5 gymnasts Jemma Escreet and Lydia Campbell-Robinson are joined by two Blenheim gymnasts, with Nelson's Aimee Macquet the non-travelling reserve. Escreet has been dealing with an injury for six weeks but has worked hard to be ready for this event.

In level 6, Dana Brown and Monica Nelson will compete as individuals as there are no other level 6 girls in the Top of the South. Brown placed sixth last year and both girls should be in the top 10 this year and have the ability to place on apparatus.

Rebecca Fisher is Nelson's only competing senior women's gymnast and will contest level 10. She placed third overall last year and is up against North Harbour's Casey Howe.

Fisher also has the ability to win gold, provided she can perform to her potential on all four apparatuses.

The Nelson boys are expected to perform well, with top-six placings anticipated across a range of levels.

Sam Hough (level 8) needs to stick landings to push for apparatus medals, with his best chances on parallel bars and vault.

In level 7, Dan Parker is likely to make finals with typically solid performances across all six apparatuses.

Ben Nichols and Keegan Fisher need to pull out their best performances to stretch the top gymnasts from Canterbury and Auckland in level 6.

Joe Williamson (level 4) is expected to perform well at his first national championships, and the best chance of an all-round medal for Nelson is Sam Fu-Allen in level 5.