Gymnastics athlete profile: Brielle Mann

By Gymnastics NSW

Brielle Mann – 16, coach and rhythmic gymnast 

Brielle has a limb difference.

What do you like most about gymnastics? 

My most favourite thing about gymnastics is the amazing people that it surrounds me with. I have made some of my closest friends through gymnastics and the supportive environment that it creates has helped me grow and improve over the years. I am always trying new things and learning new skills at gymnastics, helping me to push my abilities further. 

Can you please tell us a bit more about yourself – what age you first started and the pathway you took? 

I am currently 16 years old, and I first started gymnastics in a gym fun class when I was three. I moved into rhythmic gymnastics when I was five and while I was also doing dance classes. After a few years I began to focus solely on rhythmic because I found I enjoyed it the most. I started competing when I was seven and I have since competed in lots of competitions individually and in groups, working my way up to my current level – Level 9. 

What are your gymnastics goals? 

My goal for gymnastics is to continue to compete in competitions and improve my skills. I have also recently started coaching and judging and I look forward to further exploring the sport from outside the competition floor.  

How do you feel while doing gymnastics? 

Whether it is a training session that I have been looking forward to all day, coaching a younger squad or a competition coming up that I am excited about, gymnastics has always been something that makes me feel happy, supported and encouraged. It gives me a space where I am free to be me and allows me to challenge myself.