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Ten-year-old Kurrimine Beach gymnast Tess Soper is heading to Brisbane to compete in her first Queensland State Championships. Photo supplied
What began as a dream for 10-year-old Kurrimine Beach gymnast Tess Soper is about to become a reality, with the young athlete qualifying for her first Queensland State Championships.
Tess will travel to Brisbane with her family and coach this month to represent Tully Gymnastics and Trampoline Club (TGTC) at the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Level 4 State Championships.
“I was so happy and excited, it was my dream,” Tess said of finding out she had qualified.
Tess began gymnastics recreationally at TGTC before progressing into the club’s competitive program under coach Greg Corsiglia.
Her talent was already shining through in 2025 when she became the Level 3 Regional Champion in vault – an achievement that seems fitting given it remains her favourite apparatus.
Ahead of her State Championships debut, Tess said she plans to give the competition her all.
Before performing, she mentally runs through each routine, helping her feel confident about what she needs to do once she steps onto the floor.
Among her biggest inspirations is Australian gymnast Georgia Godwin, whose decorated career includes Commonwealth Games gold medals and Olympic representation.
Tess has even read all of Godwin’s books and looks to the Australian champion as an example of what dedication and hard work can achieve.
Coach Greg Corsiglia said Tess's own determination had been instrumental in her success.
“Tess is an extremely talented gymnast who is dedicated, goal driven and a hard worker,” he said.
“These attributes have resulted in her being the youngest State qualifier from TGTC.”
When she isn't training, Tess enjoys reading, spending time with her family and, perhaps unsurprisingly, tumbling around the house and yard.
There is also one tradition waiting for her at the end of a competition.
Tess gets to choose the family meal – and more often than not, tuna bake gets the call.
Tess will now take the next big step in her gymnastics journey when she heads south to Brisbane, carrying both her own ambitions and the support of her Kurrimine Beach and Tully communities with her.
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