High-flying gymnastics coach catch ’em young

Tracey Penaluna with Olympian Ashleigh Brennan.

By Bonny Burrows

A world-class gymnastic coach, responsible for training Olympic athletes, is embracing a change of pace.
Following international and local success, Tracey Penaluna, trainer to Olympian and Berwick local Ashleigh Brennan, has found a new passion, teaching gymnastics for one to five-year-olds at Pakenham’s Henry Family Children Centre.
After 26 years working in high performance, the opportunity to share her love of the sport with the region’s littlest residents was something Tracey couldn’t pass up.
The Pakenham local said there was a misconception gymnastics was all somersaults and handstands.
While this was part of it, Tracey said, at its core, the sport was about developing co-ordination, strength, balance and fine motor skills.
It was about promoting the “whole child”, Tracey said.
“These are fundamental movement patterns crucial for life,” Tracey said.
“If they are not developed correctly at an early age, it can be very hard to correct.”
It’s this aspect of gymnastics Tracey is most passionate about.
“Working in high performance, I really understand the importance of proper form,” Tracey said.
Despite popular belief, Tracey said you were never too young to give the sport a go.
The benefits were endless, she said.
“Gymnastics is something I recommend to all people, it’s a sport for everyone, but it is particularly beneficial to young children in their early development stages,” Tracey said.
For more information about Tracey’s classes, including an upcoming 13 May event with Olympian Ashleigh Brennan, phone Tracey on 0419 030 980.