In November 2016 Tara Purvis applied for the 2017 – 2018 Gymnastics New Zealand scholarship. Although unsuccessful, Tara has not let this stand in her way choosing to self-fund her travel and study at Ollerup in Denmark.

Funding the trip has kept Tara very busy with three jobs including coaching gymnastics at CSG, teaching school swimming for the Council and doing some work at IAG insurance.

Tara is unsure what she wants to do on her return to New Zealand which is part of the reason for spreading her wings in Denmark. Tara has always enjoyed this sport whether it be on the floor as a gymnast or as a coach, and one day may consider a career in gymnastics potentially even further behind the scenes.

As part of her studies, Tara has chosen Tumbling X as her “line” of study. Tumbling X is the line that closely relates to my passion for artistic gymnastics but in Tumbling X I am also able to incorporate different types of skills and movements that are not strictly tumbles seen in power tumbling. Also because as a gymnast my tumbling wasn’t my strongest and I would love the opportunity to see if I am able to conquer those skills I never quite got.”

Good luck to Tara as we look forward to hearing about her adventures in Denmark. No doubt the commitment you have shown in getting yourself to Denmark will stand you in great stead in the next year and beyond.