BIRKDALE gymnast Aileen Chiang has continued her strong form this year with an impressive outing at the national championships on the Gold Coast.
The 16-year-old, who is in her first year of senior rhythmic gymnastics, won a level 10 gold medal and the Australia Cup alongside her Queensland teammates.
Chiang finished 16th overall at the competition, backing up her fifth placed finish at the state championships in March.
The Moreton Bay College student also picked up two gold medals for ball and ribbon in December last year, despite making the transition from artistic gymnastics less than four years ago.
"This year was my first year as a senior rhythmic gymnast and my first year being eligible to represent my state," she said.
"It's always such an honour and so exciting to represent your own state in a competition against the best in Australia."
Chiang is coached by Gina Peluso, who has more than 30 years experience, two Olympic and four Commonwealth Games representatives to her credit.
She has told Chiang, a self-confessed perfectionist, to give it her all and be happy with her results.
"Next year I aim to be better than I was this year," Chiang said. "I constantly aim for improvement, development and growth.
"Right now, I think my dream is to become national champion. I wouldn't say it's my goal for next year though because I think it'll take longer than a year to reach my goal, maybe two or three (years)."
Chiang said it would be an honour to represent Australia but an Olympics berth was not an immediate priority.
"I do think about it sometimes," she said. "It's one of those thoughts that likes to stay in the back of your mind.
"Right now, I'm still deciding what I want to do after I graduate high school."
Chiang takes to the practice mat five days a week.
The Premier Gymastics student said winning the Australia Cup was an exciting achievement.
"My team and I were the first team ever to win it," Chiang said. "The thing I love most about it was that we earned it as a team. We all contributed and performed the best we could.
"I feel more content and prouder when I look back on the progress I have made to get myself where I am.
"A medal or trophy is just an added bonus."
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