We're really proud of all the AcroSquad members who have made the Victorian State Team for 2019 - here's your chance to get to know a little bit more about them.
We're really proud of all the AcroSquad members who have made the Victorian State Team for 2019 - and here's your chance to get to know a little bit more about them. Acrobatic Gymnastics will be running at the Australian Championships from Saturday June 1 to Monday June 3. For ticketing and scheduling information, head to the Australian Championships website.
Level 8 Womens Group
Ava, Tegan and Madlen are our Level 8 Womens Group.
They will be competing in the following sessions at the Australian Championships:
- Balance & Dynamic - Session 1, Sunday June 2.
- Combined - Session 3, Monday June 3.
Ava
Nickname: Rex
Birthday: February 19
My hero is either Iron Man or my coach Serge. The thing I like most about training is getting to see my friends.
My favourite skill is front layout, and one day I want to learn how to do a back twist.
Outside of acro I enjoy doing high jump.
The best piece of advice I'd give the younger athletes is to enjoy it!!
A few of my favourite things....
Food: Pasta
Colour: Black/blue
Song: Lose Yourself
Book: The Extinction Twins
Movie: Harry Potter or the Hunger Games
Holiday Destination: Scotland or Greece
School Subject: P.E
Did you know... I have split my chin open twice!
Tegan
Birthday: June 18
I started doing Acro in September 2016. My hero is my coach Serge. The thing I like most about training is when we get skills out of the belt. My favourite skill is double back and one day I want to learn how to do triple backs. My best competition experience so far was the Vegas Acro Cup. When I'm not at acro, I like watching Brooklyn 99.
The best piece of advice I'd give the younger athletes is to always work hard when you're working with Philly.
A few of my favourite things....
Food: Mango
Book: Harry Potter Series
Movie: Harry Potter Series
Holiday Destination: Skiing at Whistler Blackcomb (Canada)
School Subject: P.E
Did you know... I got a third degree burn when I was really little and I still have the scar!
Madlen
Birthday: April 11
I started Acro back home in Russia in 2006. My hero is Daria Kalinina. The best thing about training is getting to learn new skills, and my best competition experience was going to Las Vegas for the Vegas Acro Cup.
My favourite skill is double back and one day I want to learn how to press to handstand. Outside of acro, I really like eating...and sleeping.
The best piece of advice I'd give the younger athletes is... the price of success is hard work.
A few of my favourite things....
Food: Russian Salad
Colour: Blue
Song: Rise-up by Andra Day
Book: Beware of Pity by Stefan Zweig
Movie: Stick It
Holiday Destination: Thailand
School Subject: Psychology
Did you know... when I was little I did ballroom dancing and circus.
Level 6 Womens Group
Tyleigh, Jasmyn and Megan are our Level 6 Womens Group.
They will be competing in the following sessions at the Australian Championships:
- Balance & Dynamic - Session 2, Saturday June 1.
For ticketing and scheduling information, head to the Australian Championships website.
Tyleigh
Nickname: Ty
Birthday: July 31
I started Acro when I was 5 years old! My hero is Coach Nikki because when skills go wrong she is always there to help. Doing things that include teamwork is my favourite part of training. My best competition experience was Trial 3 because it taught me when skills go wrong to keep going no matter what. My favourite skill is Handstand box and one day I want to learn how to do an aerial. Outside of acro I like bike riding, learning about animals and spending time with my family and friends.
The best piece of advice I'd give the younger athletes is... No matter what, always do your best.
A few of my favourite things....
Food: Mexican wraps
Colour: Ocean blue
Song: Little Mix - Woman Like Me
Book: Animal Art Books
Movie: Greatest Showman
Holiday Destination: Gold Coast, QLD
School Subject: P.C
Did you know... I really want a dog!
Jasmyn
Nickname: Jaz
Birthday: October 20
I started Acro when I was in grade 4. The best thing about training is performing and getting to learn new skills. My favourite competition was my first National Clubs! One day I'd love to learn how to do a round off flip layout, but my favourite skill right now is stack. Outside of acro I like skiing, footy, netball, cooking and shopping.
The best piece of advice I'd give the younger athletes is... If you love doing it, persist at it.
A few of my favourite things....
Food: Mexican
Colour: Navy blue
Song: Africa
Book: Holding up the Universe
Movie: Pitch Perfect
Holiday Destination: Canada
School Subject: Art & Math
Did you know... I 'm a vegetarian!
Megan
Nickname: Meg
Birthday: November 27
I started Acro when I was in grade 6. My hero is Coach Serge because he pushes me to my limits. The thing I like most about training is learning new skills and performing routines. My best competition experience was states last year. My favourite skill is round off backflip back sault ... or stack. One day I want to learn how to straddle press. Outside of acro I like playing netball and sleeping.
The best piece of advice I'd give the younger athletes is... Mistakes are proof that you’re trying.
A few of my favourite things....
Food: Mexican
Colour: Yellow
Song: Sunflower - Rex Orange County
Book: One of Us is Lying
Movie: Grown-ups 2
Holiday Destination: Vanuatu or Vietnam
School Subject: Maths
Did you know... I'm a Coach in Training (CIT) at Skylark!
Level 9 Mixed Pair
Jasmine and Dylan are our Level 9 Mixed Pair.
Jasmine
Birthday: December 10
I started Acro in 2017. The best thing about training is having fun, seeing my friends and challenging myself. My favourite competition was Vegas 2019 – It was a great bonding experience with my team and it was amazing to compete internationally for the first time! My favourite skill is run double front.
The best piece of advice I'd give the younger athletes is... Don’t stress! Whenever you are at competitions and you are feeling nervous just take some deep breaths. Don’t worry about anyone else around you and stay focused! I always listen to music before comps to get in the right headspace and feel that really helps me calm my nerves!
A few of my favourite things....
Food: Pineapple
Colour: Blue
Song: All of them
Book: Mortal Instruments Series
Movie: ... I can't choose
Holiday Destination: Hawaii
School Subject: Sport & Math
Did you know... Before coming to Acro I did WAG, I started when I was 7!
Dylan
Birthday: November 5
I started Acro back in 2012. My hero is John Orozco, he's had multiple setbacks on his journey to Olympic success but he never threw in the towel. The thing I like most about training is pushing your physical barriers with your skills. My best competition experience was the Vegas Acro Cup. My favourite skills are any of the dynamic skills. One day I want to learn how to base a diamidov to handstand. Outside of acro I like making robots.
The best piece of advice I'd give the younger athletes is... The harder you work today the easier it’ll be tomorrow!
A few of my favourite things....
Food: Chinese food
Colour: Purple
Song: ... there's too many to choose from
Movie: Anything Marvel or Fast & Furious
Holiday Destination: Europe
School Subject: Engineering
Did you know... In grade 11 I made a bionic hand that could fit an amputee!
Level 7 Womens Group
Isobel, Dana and Mykelti are our Level 7 Womens Group.
They will be competing in the following sessions at the Australian Championships:
- Balance & Dynamic - Session 1, Monday June 3.
For ticketing and scheduling information, head to the Australian Championships website.
Dana 
Nickname: Ditchy or Double D
Birthday: February 14
I started acro in 2011 and my favourite thing about training is achieving goals. My hero is Chris Judd – he’s a great guy and has a great attitude. My best competition experience was Nationals in 2012. My favourite skill is double back and one day I want to learn how to front aerial, side aerial, backsault (connected). Outside of acro I love travelling and spending time with friends.
The best piece of advice I'd give the younger athletes is… Never give up!
A few of my favourite things....
Food: Crepes with Nutella and strawberries
Colour: Grey
Song: Jimmy Ricard
Movie: Just Go with It
Holiday Destination: Maldives
School Subject: Physical Education
Did you know... All my family have the initials DD
Isobel
Nickname: Izzy
Birthday: October 4
I have been doing acro since I was 9. My hero is Sue Seki because she was a great acrobat and she was always determined to succeed. My favourite things about training are learning new skills and spending time with my friends. The best competition experience I’ve had was at Trial 3 – I did my double back by myself. Double back is my favourite skill and one day I want to learn how to do a press. When I’m not at acro, I love bike riding and reading.
The best piece of advice I'd give the younger athletes is... Everything you need to be great is already inside of you.
A few of my favourite things....
Food: Chocolate
Colour: Blue
Song: SOS
Books: Once series
Movies: Harry Potter series
Holiday Destinations: England and Noosa
School Subject: P.E
Did you know... Everyone in my family was born in England and I was born in New Zealand!
Mykelti
Nickname: Kelti
Birthday: June 10
I started acro in 2012 and my hero is Coach Serge. The thing I like most about training is getting new skills and my best competition experience was the last time I went to Nationals. My favourite skill is fly and one day I want to learn how to layout. Outside of acro I like working out and socialising.
The best piece of advice I'd give the younger athletes is... Keep trying!!
A few of my favourite things....
Food: Ice cream & chocolate
Colour: Pink
Song: Rapunzel
Book: Wonder
Movie: Stick It
Holiday Destination: Queensland
School Subject: Physical Education
Did you know... I can eat a lot!
Level 6 Womens Group
Chloe, Mia and India are our Level 6 Womens Group.
They will be competing in the following sessions at the Australian Championships:
- Balance & Dynamic - Session 2, Saturday June 1.
For ticketing and scheduling information, head to the Australian Championships website.
Chloe
Nickname: Chlo
Birthday: April 16
I started acro when I was 5 years old! Tumbling is my favourite part of training and my favourite competition experience so far was Geelong State Championships in 2018. I really like doing fly and one day I want to learn how to do a round-off back-handspring backsault. Outside of acro I enjoy painting.
The best piece of advice I'd give the younger athletes is... Try hard to succeed.
A few of my favourite things....
Food: BBQ
Colour: Blue
Book: Grandpa’s Great Escape
Movie: Emoji Movie
Holiday Destination: Israel
School Subject: Art
Mia 
Birthday: January 30
This is my third year of doing acro and my favourite thing about training is learning new skills and working in a group. My hero is nobody because I am awesome! My favourite competition experience was doing better than we expected in Trial 3. One day I'd love to learn how to do a round off layout, but my favourite skills at the moment are round off sault and stack. Outside of acro I like eating, sleeping and partying.
The best piece of advice I'd give the younger athletes is... hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.
A few of my favourite things....
Food: Chocolate
Colour: Purple
Book: The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Song: Anything by Celine Dion, she’s the greatest
Holiday Destination: Bali
School Subject: All of them – I love learning
Did you know... Some of these facts have been made up by Nat, can you guess which ones.
India
Nickname: Indie
Birthday: March 6
I have been doing acro for three years now and the thing I like most about training is keeping up my fitness and learning new skills. My best competition experience was doing better than expected at Trial 3 this year. My favourite skills are aerial and stack. One day I want to learn how to press.
The best piece of advice I'd give the younger athletes is... Never say you can’t.
A few of my favourite things....
Food: Tofu
Colour: Orange
Book: The Bible
Movie: Grown-ups
Holiday Destination: The Maldives
School Subject: History
Did you know... I coach gymnastics at Skylark!
Level 6 Womens Pair
Bianca and Emily are our Level 6 Womens Pair.
Bianca
Birthday: December 8
Did you know... Bianca is one of our newest AcroSquad members. Before she started acro a few months ago she was a WAG gymnast.
Emily
Birthday: September 10
I have been doing acro since 2004 and have been at Skylark Sports longer than any of the other AcroSquad members! My hero is my former top Sue Seki because she is really dedicated. My favourite thing about training is my amazing coach Serge and my teammates. My best competition experience to date is MIAC, you can check out our videos here, here, and here. My favourite skill is trio handstand skill, and one day I would love to learn how to do double back on floor. Outside of acro I enjoy playing netball.
The best piece of advice I'd give the younger athletes is... Practice the harder things
A few of my favourite things....
Food: Broccoli
Colour: Blue
Song: Rapunzel
Movie: She’s the Man
Holiday Destination: Batemans Bay (NSW)
School Subject: P.E
Did you know... I’ve done every position possible in Acro (MXP top, WP top & base, W3 top, middle & base)
Level 6 Womens Group
Milki, Jess and Chiara are our Level 6 Womens Group.
They will be competing in the following sessions at the Australian Championships:
- Balance & Dynamic - Session 2, Saturday June 1.
For ticketing and scheduling information, head to the Australian Championships website.
Milki
Nicknames: Milki Way, Milka, Milk, Milki’s Way
Birthday: November 24
I have been doing acro since I was 4 and my favourite thing about training is tumbling. My hero is my Dad because he helps me with my homework. My favourite competition experience so far has been National Clubs last year on the Gold Coast. My favourite skill is front pike to basket and one day I want to learn how to do double back. Outside of acro I like randomly singing.
The best piece of advice I'd give the younger athletes is... Always follow your dreams
A few of my favourite things....
Food: Rice
Colour: Aqua
Song: Thunder
Book: Harriet Clare Sleepover
Movie: Totoro
Holiday Destination: Hong Kong
School Subject: English
Did you know... I’ve been doing acro for 5 years. I have a scar from when I was 2. AND I like teaching my 13-year-old base 😊 LOL
Jessica
Birthday: July 4
I started acro when I was in grade 1 and my hero is Sue Seki because she was an amazing top and is very brave with all the skills that she does. What I most like about training is tumbling, because it's fun and my favourite skill is full press.
A few of my favourite things....
Food: Jack fruit
Colour: Light blue, pink and purple
Song: “This is what you came for” – Calvin Harris
Book: The Saddle Club Series
Movie: The Princess Bride
Holiday Destination: Cape Paterson
School Subject: English/Reading
Did you know... I love horses and want to own a horse ranch.
Chiara 
Nickname: Chiarazard
Birthday: September 27
I have been doing acro since I was 11 and my favourite competition so far was my first National Clubs. My favourite skill is front pike to back, heli ½ twist and one day I would love to learn how to base a double back. Outside of acro I love circus and athletics
The best piece of advice I'd give the younger athletes is... Work your hardest and make sure to always take care of yourself.
A few of my favourite things....
Colour: Black
Song: Cradles by Sub Urban
Book: Simon vs the Homosapiens Agenda
Movie: Love, Simon and Heathers
Holiday Destination: Paris
School Subject: Drama and Maths
Did you know... I like drawing fake injuries on people (special effects make-up)
AND
Did you know Chiara is the designer of our amazing Skylark club leotard!
