THREE Redlands gymnasts have been recognised for their efforts in international competition at the Gymnastics Queensland annual awards.
Alexia Teixeira of Wellington Point, Alannah Mathews of Sheldon and Nikita Rosendahl of Capalaba each received an international athlete award of excellence for rhythmic gymnastics at a ceremony on Saturday, January 12.
The award recognised the five members of the Australian team that competed in the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria last September.
Coach Gina Peluso said the team performed admirably at the event and reached new milestones for themselves and for Australia.
“(At the world championships) they performed their season best,” Ms Peluso said.
“We were first on the mat and they came up with their best scores to date.
“It was a very proud moment.
“They did very well, especially since it was their first world championships and we’re the first team ever from Queensland to be in that position.”
Ms Peluso said the Gymnastics Queensland award was a testament to the hard work Mathews, Rosendahl and Teixeira had put in over the season.
“I think we’re five time national champions now,” she said.
“We’ve had consistently good results in the nation and that’s now reflecting internationally.
“(Mathews, Rosendahl and Teixeira) are not professional athletes. We’re competing against professional athletes but they all have to work or study full time and still try to do 27 hours a week in the gym.
“(They’re deserving of the award) not only because of their competition outcomes but also their commitment to the sport.”
Victoria Point YMCA and Redlands PCYC were also awarded at the event.