Hi, my name is Mercedes.

I have been selected to represent Australia at the Aerobic Gymnastics World Championships in Pesaro, Italy, in September 2024. This is a significant achievement and opportunity, as I will be competing in both the Individual and Trio category at my second World Championships. I am extremely proud and honoured to be able to represent Australia at this level of competition.

Over this past year, I have competed internationally in Japan at the Suzuki World Cup and in Vietnam at Asian Championships. Throughout my career, I have earned numerous National medals and last year was named the 2023 Senior International Australian Champion. I also received the Gymnastics Australia Award of Distinction. Currently, I am the 2024 NSW State Champion and have been a member of the Australian National Squad for several years.

In 2019, I made the significant decision to move from Queensland to New South Wales to access elite coaching and pursue my goal of competing at the World Championships. This move came with significant financial challenges and personal sacrifices, however, I was fortunate to have a lot of support during this transition.

Unfortunately, Aerobic Gymnastics in Australia remains unfunded. To attend the World Championships, I am responsible for covering all associated costs for myself, such as airfares, accommodation, meals, uniform, and fees to cover the costs for the coaches, judges, and head of delegation attending the competition. In addition to these costs, I also need to manage the logistical challenges of training with my trio, as we are based in different states. For me this means frequent travel to Melbourne to train, adding another layer of expense. I work and coach to support myself financially, which often means training early in the morning or late at night. Despite these challenges, I am committed to achieving my goals and representing Australia with pride.

I am reaching out to request your support through tax-deductible donations to help cover the costs of my overseas travel. Any contribution would be immensely appreciated and will make a significant difference in my journey to the World Championships.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me so far. Your encouragement and assistance mean the world to me as I continue to work towards achieving my goals and preparing for this important milestone in my Gymnastics Career!