Stephanie Athanasis

Interview 1
April 2003

When and how did you get into gymnastics?
I got into gymnastics at the age of 5. It was because I had asthma and had to increase my lung capacity. I also did swimming at the time.

You have just qualified for the junior national division, how did it feel to achieve this?
I felt happy and excited when I found out that I qualified.

How do you think you will go in the junior national division, now that you are doing optional skills?
I think I will go pretty well in the junior national division because I like it much more than the compulsory routines.
 
What do you hope to achieve in your gymnastics career?
I hope to achieve the Commonwealth Games, and hopefully even the Olympics!!
 
Are you working on any new skills/routines at the moment?

Yes, aerial skills on beam, a yurchenko on vault, double pikes on floor and a new dismount on bars.
 
What do you have planned for the coming months, both in and out of gymnastics?
In gymnastics, I have planned that I will get into the team for the Australian National Championships and the individual. Later this year I would like to go to National Clubs and Victorian Club Championships. Out of gymnastics, I don't really have much planned. I like to play with my little dog, go shopping, and hang out with friends. I would also like to go on a holiday sometime this year.
 
Who and what do you consider as your main motivation for continuing the hard training?
My old coach, Kevin, motivated me and my team mates everyday to continue hard training. Now that he has stopped coaching, I rely on my new coach, Mark. He is kind and at the same time makes you continue working hard.
 
What do you like to do when you are not doing gymnastics?
I like to go over to friends places, go to the shops, go to the movies, sleep and eat.
 
Who do you admire, both in and out of gymnastics?
In gymnastics, I admire Steph LoPiccolo as she just qualified for Senior International. She has been injured for quite sometime but she continued to come to training and put in 100%. She is a very kind person and I look up to her for advice. Out of gymnastics, I admire my mum as she gets up at 6.00 am every morning on weekdays to take me to and from training and I love her very much.
 
What is your favourite apparatus, and why?
My favourite apparatus is Bars. I enjoy it very much and find it easier than the other three apparatus.
 
What are your major goals and aims for the rest of 2003?
My major goals for the rest of 2003 are to get into the team for the Australian National Championships, go to National Championships, go to Victorian Club Championships and hopefully go interstate.


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