Top gymnast nurtures talent

Olympian Ashleigh Brennan supports George during a children's gymnastics class in Pakenham. 168139 Picture: ROB CAREW

By Bonny Burrows

A retired dual Olympian returned home on the weekend to teach children’s gymnastics classes in Pakenham.
Ashleigh Brennan reunited with her former coach, Tracey Penaluna, at the latter’s gymnastics business, Gymnastics Central, to put children as young as two through their paces.
The 26-year-old, who hails from Berwick, is best known for her stunts in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics and her team wins at the 2006 and 2010 Commonwealth Games, guided by Ms Penaluna.
Now retired, she returned to the south-east on 13 May, to support her “mum away from home” and share the joy of gymnastics with the region’s youngsters.
“It was so much fun. There was a real passion and positive vibe from Tracey and everyone in the room,” Ashleigh said of Saturday’s event.
“I sat in on all classes, and it was very cute. Everyone loved it.”
Beginning the sport as a seven-year-old, Ashleigh began like many of Tracey’s current students have, taking a class for children, focusing on body movement and co-ordination.
She then spent a decade in competitive gymnastics before farewelling her elite athlete career post 2012 Olympics to focus on study.
But she hasn’t given up gymnastics completely – she’s obtained a Masters in Clinical Exercise and Physio and teaches classes in South Yarra.
She’s also spruiking the benefits of the sport wherever she goes.
“I still like keeping my foot in the gymnastics door and being involved a little bit,” Ashleigh said.
“And I’ll always come back for Tracey; she’s had such a huge impact on my life.”