Hi, my name is Olena Edmeades and I am 17yrs old. I am an AIS Senior International categorised Women Artistic Gymnast and have recently been selected to represent Australia at the Gymnova Cup in Belgium with a training camp in Wales. To find out more about my journey please read on .

I started gymnastics at the age of 5 and moved into the development squad soon after, I was selected onto my first Western Australian team at age 9 and my first Junior Australian team at age 12. I dedicate up to 28 hours a week training to the development of my skills, consistency, and artistry, to compete at gymnastics highest level as a Senior International.

Some of my achievements have been

• 2022 Commonwealth Games ( non travelling reserve)
• Oceanic Championships ( Australian Team Gold medal)
• 2022 DTB POKAL Cup (Australian Team Bronze medal)
• 2021 GWA WAG Senior International Athlete of the Year
• Australian National Champion
• WA State Champion

I am currently studying year 12, and would like to study sport’s performance/ occupational therapy as a profession with my commitment to both athletic and academic excellence.

Based on my performances at local Western Australian gymnastics qualifications, video verification events, Paris 2024 training camps and the recent Australian National Gymnastics Championships, I have been selected to represent Australia at the Gymnova Cup (Belgium), and training camp in Wales.

As Gymnastics Australia have little funding this is a self funded trip for athletes and coaches . The estimated cost for participation in this event given to me by Gymnastics Australia governing body is $7000, which includes flights to London, Wales and train to Belgium, accommodation and food , competition uniform, competition fees and coach/judges levies, accreditation fee and ground transport for the duration of the event.

Having already travelled to Canberra for Paris 2024 gymnastics camp in February and July, and the Australian Gymnastics Championships in May, Australian National Clubs verification event in September in Qld , I would be extremely grateful for any donations that you could provide, that will assist me in gaining valuable experience and insight to enable me to continue chasing my dream of representing Australia at it’s highest level.🇦🇺

Thank you for taking the time to read my story!