National success for local gymnast

Jameson O''Reilly in action at the Australian Gymnastics Championships. Photo: Gymnastics Australia

By Danielle Kutchel

A simple hobby has snowballed into national success for an Upper Beaconsfield student.

Jameson O’Reilly recently represented Victoria as part of a team of seven at the Australian Gymnastics Championships.

In the level 7 open age group in Men’s Artistic Gymnastics, the team won gold, while Jamieson placed first on T bars and third on rings.

The wins came as a surprise for the VCE student, who started doing gymnastics seven years ago for fitness and a hobby.

“I went into this competition just hoping for the best and it turned out reasonably well,” he said.

He said the support of his coaches, family and teachers has helped as he juggles 12 hours of training each week with his studies and other commitments.

He advised other young gymnasts to find a mentor who can help guide their talent.

“I always had someone to look up to when I was training – someone who was better than me – and I used that to drag me and pull me through the hard times.”

With such outstanding national success under his belt, Jamieson says he isn’t planning on resting on his laurels.

“Next year hopefully I can repeat similar success and make it onto the international team for external competitions,” he said.

“I enjoy the thrill of learning new skills and the adrenaline rush I get from it, that’s what keeps me going.”