Games stars wow Downs

TOOWOOMBA'S next generation of gymnasts had the chance to meet their heroes yesterday when three Commonwealth Games gold medallists visited All Stars Gym.

In Delhi, Australia's gymnastics team equalled their best gold medal haul. Three Queenslanders – Josh Jeffris, Thomas Pichler and Danielle Prince – were pivotal to Australia's gold rush.

Yesterday the trio turned their attention to Toowoomba's talent as part of a Commonwealth Games gold medal tour.

Jeffris, 25, who won two gold and a bronze at his second Commonwealth Games, hasn't had a chance to come back to earth since Delhi in October.

“We were off to the Netherlands for the world championships straight after, we missed the opening and closing ceremonies,” Jeffris said. “I think our competition finished on a Friday and we were on a plane that night.”

Jeffris and Pichler were part of the Australian team which finished 18th at the world championships, securing Australia a place at the next level of Olympic qualifiers.

More than 100 kids jumped at the chance to hear from the trio, who went through their gold medal-winning routines before answering questions.

“It's good to come out and put the younger ones in our shoes ... gymnastics is a tough sport and it's good to provide that support,” Jeffris said.

The trio was also joined by Toowoomba gymnast Lachlan Savill, who has moved to Brisbane to train with the Queensland Academy of Sport.

Like Jeffris, Pichler and Prince, Savill has his sights on next year's national championships in the level nine under-16 classification.

“I'm aiming to win, I don't train to finish second best,” Savill said.

Kevin Farmer, The Chronicle, 29/11/10