STICK IT: Strathalbyn youngster’s great leap for gold

A Strathalbyn youngster has shown she is not stretched for talent by taking home gold at the Port Lincoln Invitational Championships.

Held on June 11 and 12, the annual championships saw 18 clubs across the state compete in floor, uneven bars, vault, and beam.

Nine-year-old Natasha Nuprakhon competed in the Under 11 division, where she placed first in floor, with a score of 9.025, and sixth overall.

Despite having about 15 medals and a couple of trophies to her name, Natasha was still shocked to have won the gold.

“We’re not short of (medals and trophies),” her grandmother, Diane Lunt, said.

“She was proud and over the moon.

“She didn’t expect to get (the medal, so) she got a shock when she won.”

Natasha started training to be a gymnast five years ago, and quickly fell in love with the sport, and being able to learn new skills.

While Natasha has no aspirations to become an Olympian anytime soon, she hoped to make the State Development Squad at the end of the year.

“She was picked in the State Development Squad two years ago, but then COVID hit, so unfortunately nothing came of it,” Mrs Lunt said.

“We’re hoping when she does her competition in October, she can get picked for (the squad) again.”

For now, Natasha is setting her sights on the South Australian Interclub Challenge, held at the Blackwood Community Recreation Centre on July 30 and 31