MORE than 30 gymnasts from across Queensland took the opportunity to learn from Olympic gymnastics medallist Betty Okino when the American visited the Redlands.
Okino was invited to run gymnastics, artistry, and coaching clinics at Capalaba gymnasium Twistarz Gymnastics Academy, drawing on her experience as a medallist at Olympic Games and World Championships, former professional dancer, and current member of the US national staff working with Olympic athletes on dance and artistry.
“You never know what you’re working with, but it’s been a joy and really rewarding,” Okino said of working with her Queensland participants, some from as far afield as Gladstone.
“It’s felt very comfortable, very welcoming, very familiar, and the kids and the parents have been a joy to work with.”
Okino began dancing aged four and, inspired by watching the Olympic Games on television, transitioned into gymnastics aged nine.
“I think it’s the thing that sparks a lot of young gymnasts,” she said.
“You watch it on TV, you see the Olympics, and it’s like a different version of the Cinderella Story; it’s not the fairy princess, it’s the gymnast winning medals for their country, there’s a pride that goes along with it.”
Going on to represent her country, Okino won several medals for the US before transitioning back into professional dancing, later coaching gymnasts of all ages.
“I’m on the national staff, so I work with the Olympic team and our juniors coming up to become the next level of Olympians, and I go around the world and help other gyms and programs,” she said.
“I was looking for meaningful work; not that I didn’t love dancing professionally, but it wasn’t fulfilling in the same way as inspiring or mentoring the next generation, which is essentially what we’re doing here – gymnastics and dance are just the vehicles.”
Twistarz manager Emma McComb said the experience reinvigorated her staff, coaches, and gymnasts.
“We’ve been truly blessed to have Betty here,” she said.
“To be able to provide this sort of opportunity for not only gymnasts in our club, but for gymnasts in other clubs around, it’s something that drove me to do it because it’s a skillset we really should be developing.”
