17/11/2025
This week’s Australian World Age Competition effort has been the fruit of the work of many, many coaches working boldly and (mostly) quietly across our nation.
Many would argue that our own of the 2025 young athletes has been working solidly toward this goal since July when he ‘caught the waft’ that his scores were probably high enough to be considered for Spain. A few would argue that his fervour kicked-in when we together watched the 2023 World Age comp held in Birmingham online.
Me? I cannot put words on when it became obvious this would become his life. For each of our fellas gymnastics journeys it has been about one intentional choice after another for a long, long time.
Perhaps these precious folk will never see this post and, well that is perfectly ok. Perhaps algorithms will make it possible for me to never have to have awkward conversations that reflect how we feel. Yes. That would be ideal at this point!
To the coach in 2018 who squeezed Jack into the next squad beside Isaac, even though he did not have the courage to work with a new coach, and was never comfortable more than three metres from one of us- thank you. You gave him the opportunity to shine as a tiny bumpkin in Artistic gymnastics before the digits on his hand would really matter.
To the coach in 2021 who gave the kid a go, teaching him so many things even on his tryout with you. You saw the mini-athlete, not the mainlander. For that we are forever grateful. We were so sorry when we figured out that you were not to be in Spain with this 2025 team.
To the lady coach on the Sunny Coast who would let us blow-through when we were travelling, always encouraging and always generous 🙂
To the several coaches from across QLD and other states who have slotted-into the big picture with encouragement and a few laughs, trusting Jack and his coach’s decisions.
To the Sydney-based coach who has spoken boldly into the coaching of our boy this year. Who stands calculating, strategising and hoping.
To the the team at home who each feed into who our fellas are becoming as gymnasts, putting up with Jack’s scamming the next skill, finding the delicate balance between ex*****on and his next adrenalin hit.
To Joel? To him there is still so much to say that we will probably not say for years, now. However we will go on the record as publicly declaring, thank you for seeing who our fella is, and who he is becoming. Thank you for your ‘more than skills outlook’, and how you provide ample opportunity here and there, for Jack’s development as an athlete, moving forward into the fullness of what is possible.
☺️That is enough words, now.
