The Olympic Games is less than two months away, and our newest Exercise Physiologist Alannah is no stranger to high-level competition. Alannah made history as a member of the first ever Australian Rhythmic Gymnastics group to compete at the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020. We sat down with her to talk about her experience as an athlete and her transition into a career in exercise physiology.
How did you get involved in gymnastics? What inspired you to pursue rhythmic gymnastics at such a competitive level?
I started out with ballet when I was 5 and enjoyed dancing around in a leotard and tutu for a few years until I turned 8 and my mum asked me if I’d like to try Rhythmic Gymnastics. I started almost straight away and fell in love with the sport. The first 5 years or so were very enjoyable where I learnt to handle the apparatus, improve my flexibility and work on new skills, preparing me to enter what we called the ‘International stream’. It was designed to prepare athletes for international competition and involved a high performance program. I was 14 when I entered the Junior International stream and marked my debut in international competitions as an individual gymnast, learning the ropes about what it meant to be an elite athlete.
Through the ages of 15-17 I progressed to Senior International where I began to feel a big shift in the intensity of the training sessions along with the stress and pressure that comes with being an adolescent. I felt as though I would never be able to be the best in Australia or represent the country in the Commonwealth Games or Olympic Games as an individual gymnast, so I redirected my focus toward being a part of a group where I was much more optimistic about being able to qualify for these major events. I felt re-inspired and hopeful that we could make it all the way to the Olympic Games if we dedicated ourselves to the goal. Having four other girls there with me on the journey gave a great sense of camaraderie and relief that I wasn’t going at this alone and they were always there to have my back. My team and I would go on to win gold at the National Championships consecutively for 5 years and compete internationally at World Cups and World Championships which was fantastic preparation for Olympic selection in 2021 for the Tokyo Games.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in preparation for the Olympics?
There were a few challenges in the lead up to the Games, the most prominent being Covid which postponed the games by a year. At the time we were extremely frustrated that the Games weren’t going ahead and were locked in for another year of training. I felt as though the team was ready to go in 2020 and was worried about how the extensive lock downs were going to affect our preparation. We weren’t able to compete internationally prior to the event which wasn’t ideal in our readiness to compete on the world stage. The Olympic Games was our first time competing internationally in 2 years.
How was the environment of the Tokyo Games with COVID restrictions?
I was surprised at how they organised the games to still make it a special experience for the athletes. We were not allowed to interact with athletes from other countries, however I feel it made the sense of community in the ‘Australia hub’ a lot stronger. We needed to do covid tests every day, but this just became a part of our routine and it wasn’t a problem at all. My team and I were most disappointed that we couldn’t leave the athlete village or go sightseeing, so we decided we would try to go back to Tokyo and enjoy a holiday together. (This hasn’t happened yet lol).
Can you share any memorable moments or highlights from your journey to the Tokyo Olympics?
A highlight from the Tokyo Games was receiving the AUS uniform when we arrived at our accommodation. Two suitcases full of new activewear! It was a moment that made the whole experience feel very ‘real’ and the fact that my team and I were actually at the Olympic Games started to sink in.
What made you interested in pursuing Exercise Physiology?
I chose to study Clinical Exercise Physiology because I felt it complimented my work as a Pilates Instructor and my time as an elite athlete. I have worked with many health professionals to keep on top of injuries and make sure my mental and physical preparation was at its peak before going into big competitions, so I had an interest in staying within this field to give me an opportunity to help others be the best version of themselves, as other health professionals had once done for me.
What aspects of your training and competition experience do you find most beneficial for your current role as an EP?
I believe knowing what it feels like to perform under pressure and at a high level whilst coping with injury has been beneficial in relating to clients who are expected to carry on with life and work despite the pain they may be experiencing. It can be important to recognise the balance of pushing boundaries to achieve excellence and ensuring proper injury management and rehabilitation to uphold long-term health and performance.
Are there any specific lessons or skills from your gymnastics career that you apply to your work with clients?
Gymnastics taught me many skills that translate well in the workplace. I’ve found that my teamwork and collaboration skills have been very helpful when working with clients as it ensures shared goals between the clinician and client are established, which leads to a positive outcome for everyone involved.
Alannah works from both our Woolloongabba and Bowen Hills clinics. To book an appointment with Alannah, click here.
