THE THREE hour round trip from Stawell to Ballarat three times a week has become the standard for 13-year-old gymnast Adele Brand.
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The year eight student was recently chosen to represent Victoria at the Queensland Border Challenge in Caloundra on June 24-29 after impressing the judges at the state trials.
The national level eight gymnast has risen quickly in the sport after taking to national standard competition just 18 months ago. Brand was the state runner up in the national level four competition in 2015, and was immediately elevated to level seven.
Ballarat Aquatic & Lifestyle Centre coach Janet Sambell-Howe said Brand’shad risen through the ranks at an unheard of pace since beginning at the centre. “Adele only trains for 16 hours a week, and most of the girls she’s competing against train for well over 20,” Sambell-Howe said. “She gives everything to gymnastics and everyone at the club is really proud of her.”
Parents at the club have also raised the $3000 needed to send both Brand and her mother to the competition.