Preview - Australian Men's, Rhythmic and Cheer Championships

The national championships, which double as the first round of selection trials for the world championships, will feature Phil Rizzo (NSW/AIS), the 28-year-old stalwart of Australian gymnastics who won the world high bar title in 2006, and the diminutive pommel horse world championships silver medallist Prashanth Sellathurai (NSWIS).

After cruelly missing qualifying for the 2008 Olympic Games, Australia’s world class apparatus competitors have a point to prove in 2009.

Keen to make an impression on his home turf, Beijing Olympian Sam Simpson will take on South Australia’s Sam Offord (SASI) in the battle for the coveted all-around title. 

Chandler Stadium will showcase seven days of incredible action, as the 2009 men’s gymnastics national championships team with the rhythmic gymnastics national championships and the AUS Cheer international competition.

What: Australian Men’s, Rhythmic and Cheer Championships

When: Monday, 6 July – Sunday, 12 July 2009

Where: Chandler Stadium, Brisbane

Major competition sessions

Tuesday, 7 July        6:30pm – 9:00pm     Men’s team and all-around final

Wednesday, 8 July    6:30pm – 9:00pm     Rhythmic Gymnastics team and all-around final

Thursday, 9 July       6:30pm – 9:00pm     Men’s apparatus finals

Friday, 10 July         6:30pm – 8:45pm     Rhythmic Gymnastics apparatus finals

Pre-nationals media activity

Date: Monday, 6 July 2009

Time: 2:00pm – 4:30pm

Where: Sleeman Sports Complex, Old Cleveland Road, Chandler

The senior men will train at various times throughout this allocated timeslot.  Interviews will be available on request, prior to or at the conclusion of the gymnast’s training session.

End of Release 

For media accreditation, media enquires or to arrange interviews please contact Gymnastics Australia Media:

Taryn Kirby –0433 665 055 or taryn@jumpmedia.com.au