At two years old, Abel Standen liked climbing over the furniture at home – and sometimes falling off it.

His mum decided gymnastics might be a safer place for all that climbing.

Eleven years later, the 13-year-old Bay of Plenty men’s artistic gymnast is still at Argos Gymnastics, preparing for a new milestone in a journey that has already taken him to four Gymnastics Nationals.

Abel started in recreational gymnastics before moving into the competitive programme at seven. He competed at his first Nationals in Invercargill when he was nine and has returned every year since.

“The mates and memories I’ve made are what’s kept me in the sport.”

This year, getting back to Nationals means a little more.

Abel had a tough 2025 season, injuring the same ankle twice, getting sick several times and, by his own admission, not being as disciplined as he could have been. Over summer, he decided he wanted this season to be different.

“I decided I was going to do everything I can to have a good season. I have done my best to put myself in a good position going into Nationals this year.”

His first competition gave him an early sign that things were heading in the right direction, when Abel surprised himself with a personal best all-around score.

And his coach, Riley, has been there throughout.

“He has helped by coming to every single event – if it’s a competition or even a Squad 360 training, he is always there. Without Riley, me and my teammates wouldn’t be where we are today.”

Abel has now qualified for the 2026 XP Gymnastics Nationals in Tauranga, making this year particularly special – his first Nationals competing as a senior will also be on home ground.

It also means a different competition experience. Rather than the junior format Abel is used to, he’ll compete all-around on the first day with the opportunity to qualify for apparatus finals on day two.

It’s a new challenge he’s looking forward to, but his goal for Nationals is pretty simple.

“I just want to have a good time and enjoy the experience.”

His advice to younger gymnasts is simple: keep learning new skills. For him, that’s when gymnastics becomes even more fun.

From climbing the furniture at two to his first Nationals as a senior, Abel is still doing what has kept him in gymnastics all these years – making mates, making memories, and having fun.

The 2026 XP Gymnastics Nationals take place at Mercury Baypark, Tauranga, from 29 September–3 October.