Talented gymnasts from Shellharbour-based club Carmel and Co claimed a number of podium finishes, including a victory at the prestigious 2014 Nationals Cheer and Dance Championships at the Gold Coast Convention Centre.
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The three-day championships held last month featured more than 3000 competitors taking part in a range of dance and cheer categories and levels.
Carmel and Co's group stunt team, the Tornadoes, with Miranda Blades as the team "flyer" being tossed into the air, plus Zac Paplauskas, Brooke Grootemaat and Katelyn Hutchison, produced a tremendous routine to become national champions after winning the Level 3 Division.
In the Cheer category, which involved flyers being caught by the team's "bases", Carmel and Co's Infinity squad claimed a third place in the Level 3 Senior Cheer Division.
In the Partner Stunt, which comprises a team of two with one base and one flyer, Robert Fassone and Kaitlin Lloyd were third in Level 2 Senior Division, with Miranda Blades and Zac Paplauskas also a fine third in Level 3 Junior.
Carmel's group stunt team the Rebels with Jaelen Harrison (flyer), True Ross, Emma Taylor, Katelyn Hutchison and Caitlin Marsh were a close second in the Level 3 Open category.
In Dance Doubles, Jaelen Harrison and Brooke Grootemaat took second place in Pom Division, while Miranda Blades and Tayla Lloyd were third in the Hip Hop Division.
"It was a huge event, and we're thrilled with the results," said coach Carmel Blades.
"All of the Cheer is getting bigger and bigger each year, and the competition is getting tougher and tougher."
The club is always looking for new Cheer members; contact Carmel Blades on 4297 4400 or carmelandcogymnastics. com.au for details.
Based at Barrack Heights, the purpose-built gymnastics facility features a full-sized sprung floor, trampolines, foam pit, bungee harnesses, and several sets of gymnastics apparatus.
