New Zealand rhythmic gymnasts have returned from the Tamara Cup in Japan, with athletes gaining valuable international competition experience and achieving a number of podium finishes across the 14–16 August event.
Eight New Zealand gymnasts reached the podium across the junior and senior competition. Anita Cheng (Counties Manukau Gymnastics) took 1st all-around in the Senior 2008+ category, with Mia Henning (Counties Manukau Gymnastics) finishing 2nd all-around in the same category.
Podium Finishes
- Poppy Kirsopp (Olympia Gymnastic Sports) – 3rd ribbon, Junior 2011
- Louella Chabal T (Counties Manukau Gymnastics) – 2nd ball, Senior 2009 & 2010
- Anita Cheng (Counties Manukau Gymnastics) – 2nd hoop, 3rd ball, 1st clubs, 1st all-around, Senior 2008+
- Mia Henning (Counties Manukau Gymnastics) – 1st= ball, 2nd all-around, Senior 2008+
- Alysha Read (Counties Manukau Gymnastics) – 2nd clubs, Senior 2008+
- Sophie Smith (Counties Manukau Gymnastics) – 2nd ribbon, Senior 2008+
- Zoe Parnell (Counties Manukau Gymnastics) – 1st= ball, 3rd ribbon, Senior 2008+
- Myra Tan (Counties Manukau Gymnastics) – 3rd hoop, Senior 2008+
The Tamara Cup provided an international development opportunity for the touring athletes, with the wider team also gaining experience competing in Japan.
Congratulations to all athletes who represented New Zealand at the Tamara Cup, alongside coaches Eleanor Ross (Elements Rhythmic) and Kathryn Holdsworth (Olympia Gymnastic Sports), and judge Megan Rensburg (Elements Rhythmic). A big thank you also to Danielle Kirsopp (Olympia Gymnastic Sports) as team manager and Honour Anderson (Counties Manukau Gymnastics) as athlete support, for their contribution to the tour.