GARRY SOBERS Strenuous build-up for Olympics by dedicated rhythmic gymnast

Press, 24 August 1988, Page 48

GARRY SOBERS

Strenuous build-up for Olympics by dedicated rhythmic gymnast

Angela Walker, New Zealand’s top rhythmic gymnast, who acheived a rare honour when she was the first non-Eastern bloc competitor to win an award at the Sofia Cup in Bulgaria, is now training intensively for the Olympic Games in Seoul next month. . x , Her aim is to make the finals in the Olympics. If she succeeds, she will be among the world’s “top 20” rhythmic gymnasts. At present her ranking is forty-second. Aged 21, she already has 11 years of involvement in rhythmic gymnastics. Success for Walker will draw attention to the artistic yet demanding requirements to become a rhythmic gymnast — with its five elements — ball, hoop, rope, club and ribbon. ~ Walker considers rhythmic gymnastics an ideal sport. "It combines the artistic, creative dance side of the sport with strength and agility. I love to make the audience really enjoy my performance. It is a very difficult sport, and while I would encourage anyone into it, they must be aware of the associated demands in order to succeed. I feel extremely fortunate to have received incredible support from my parents and coaches in the various elements,” she said. “Rhythmic gymnastics is not a ‘first over the tape’ sport, but a very creative and unique performance. When you perform it is only you out there and you only have yourself to be concerned ab “ Therefore, everything should be concentrated towards your maximum performance in order to gain maximum marks. What the other competitors do when they per-, form has no direct effect on your own performance. Places and marks are up to the judges, so I only

concern myself with performing to the best of my ability,” said Walker. / Unlike her rhythmic gymnastics counterparts in Europe, who receive substantial support, /the New Zealand specialists survive on limited backing. During 1988 Walker will put a capital outlay of $15,000 into her build-up towards Seoul. She has had some support, but <• because of the requirement to have specialist supervision and coaching, she must pay for tuition in ballet, gymnastics, and dance herself. As well as {he expense incurred, Walker is committed to a dedicated training programme of 27 hours a week. She has had to postpone studying for a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in psychology, at the University of Auckland. Her build-up for the Seoul Olympics included visiting Moscow in 1987 for a two-week training workshop, where she incorporated new elements of movement and choreography into her hoop and rope exercises. The workshop was demanding, but the opportunity to receive expert tuition under the top Russian coach, Nina Suvorova, was extremely beneficial. The realities of the State-backed athletes with their uncompromising attitude contrasted strongly with the free expression which she exudes. / Walker’s visit to Russia was the first by a New Zealand rhythmic gymnast, and while it was difficult for her to comprehend their demanding regime she has now incorporated aspects of their style and mental approach into her programme. This year, after an intensive 13-week training programme, she left for Europe to take part in a nunjber of competitions. labiate May, she took .

part in the Brother Cup in Japan, where she achieved her highest average score, 9.435. In June, she competed in the Four Continents championships in Toronto, as

well as the Oceania Cup in Auckland, which she won with ease. Then there is a final 10-week training build-up for the Auckland and New Zealand championships in August, be-

fore leaving in September for the Olympics. Overseeing her training programme is her personal coach, Mrs Marion Duncan. Those who have seen

Walker strive for perfection will immediately recognise years of dedication. The Olympics is a fitting platform for her to show her potential. — JILLIAN DE BEER