Carlie Ede

We first saw Carlie back in 2007 when we spotted her in the Level 1 program performing aerial cartwheels and her coaches quickly recognised her extraordinary abilities. She has come a long way since then, completing Level 1 in one term, the next term in Level 3 before moving to her current training squad. Now at 15 years of age she is competing in Level 7 and has just recently completed her State trials at Penrith YMCA.

Her rapid progress is the product of her outstanding athletic ability, a classical ballet background and an ability to focus and train to high levels but probably making all this possible is a fearless determination not typical of a gymnast of her age. Carlie is a joy to coach and watch, she is graceful which comes naturally from her dance background as she attends Newtown Performing Arts High School.

Her first competition was in her first year of gymnastics at the Australian National Clubs Championships, which is one of Gymnastics Australia's major calendar events competing in Level 4. This year Carlie has competed in Gymnastics NSW competitions with very pleasing results. Apart from developing competition experience the main focus has been to continue to develop difficult skills to include in her routines for competitions in Levels 8-10.

Her competition season is in full swing, already successfully completing three State trial competitions. At the trials Carlie was awarded 1st and 3rd on Floor, 2nd and 3rd on Vault and 4th and 5th in Overall. Carlie competed at the NSW State Championships, held at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre over the June long weekend. Carlie's hard work and efforts paid off as she placed 3rd on Vault and 3rd Overall for Level 7 at State Championships 2010.

Carlie demonstrates so many positive qualities at every training session and is a wonderful role model for her fellow gymnasts. All of us at Five Dock wish her the very best for continued success in 2010 and beyond.