It is definitely a case of ‘home ground advantage’ for Impact Gymsport Academy athletes after they experienced overwhelming success at the recent New Zealand Gymnastics Championships.

The championships were held at Mercury Bay Park Arena, right next door to their club.

Impact gymnasts took out the national all-around titles for Women’s Artistic Gymnastics in Step 6 - Jayde Henare, Step 8 - Emily Barback, Junior International - Madison Brick, and Senior International - Reece Cobb.

Impact gymnasts also shone in the apparatus finals, winning Step 6 vault (Mila Watherston - overs), beam (Jayde Henare - unders), floor (Jayde Henare – unders; Charlie Standing – overs); Step 7 floor (Paige Pratt – overs); Step 8 beam (Emily Barback – unders; Lulu Miller – overs); bars (Lulu Miller – overs) and Junior International floor, beam and vault (Madison Brick).

Impact head coach Ebony Matenga with New Zealand Gymnast of the Year, Reece Cobb. Photo: Supplied.

As well as these outstanding results, the club took home many silver and bronze medals and artistry awards, making it Impact’s most successful national competition ever.

Reece Cobb was awarded New Zealand Gymnast of the Year 2023. Her attention now turns to the World Gymnastics Championships in Antwerp, Belgium in September, where she will have her first shot at qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Games.

Impact head coach Ebony Matenga says she is incredibly proud of what her gymnasts have achieved this year.

“As a small regional gymnastics club, we punch well above our weight.”

Impact gymnast Emily Barback is New Zealand’s all-round Step 8 champion for 2023. Photo: Supplied.

As Impact’s gymnasts begin to compete on the international stage and the club continues to grow, it is eager to secure sponsorship and support from its community.

“We would love to hear from any local businesses that want to be affiliated with a gymnastics club that is all about striving for excellence, nurturing talent and smashing goals,” says Impact manager, Shar Matthews.

Shar Matthews can be contacted on office@impactgymsport.co.nz.

For full results of the 2023 New Zealand Gymnastics Championships, please visit here.