Masters athlete rekindles her spark for Gymnastics

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It’s never too late to rediscover the joy of sport. For athletes like Danielle Connelly, returning to gymnastics after many years has reignited a spark and provided a supportive masters community for her to thrive in. Danielle’s journey back to gymnastics showcases the power of staying active, embracing challenges, and pushing personal limits.

Danielle’s story is just one example of the countless athletes at the Australian Masters Games who prove that starting fresh or returning to a sport later in life can be both rewarding and transformative.

Whether you’re looking to compete, rediscover the joy of movement, or bring your friends into the masters community, the Games offers a supportive environment where age is no barrier to achieving your goals.

For Danielle, gymnastics isn’t just a hobby, it’s her self-described happy place.

Danielle had participated in gymnastics as a teenager but stepped away from the sport to focus on her education and business. When she was in her twenties, Danielle was enthralled by the acrobatic gymnasts at ‘Quidam’ by Cirque du Soleil.

She recalls the experience, “In that moment, I loved it so much. I saw how extraordinary these people were, athletes at the peak of their sport. I was in awe of the fact that these performers had pushed the bounds of human form.”

Danielle’s spark for gymnastics was reignited, so she tried a local adult’s gymnastics classes. After attending her first class, Danielle felt invigorated.

“I was feeling my body move again. The following day I was sore, but it was satisfaction that my body was being worked again after such a long time,” Danielle recalls.

Her passion for gymnastics only grew stronger from there. At every class, she felt that she was given the tools to unpack and discover more of her own technical skill.

Danielle saw the skill and effort her classmates were putting in, and used this to challenge herself to improve.

“I saw a person doing a handstand on a beam. So, I tried it. It was hard at first, but if they could do it, so can I,” Danielle explains.

Danielle believes in the power of persistence and the right environment to unlock untapped potential.

“Sometimes, it starts as an idea. Then, someone gives you the tools, and you realise you can do it. Attending classes helps you discover strengths you didn’t know you had,” she explains.

Danielle admits the road isn’t always smooth. Injuries and setbacks come with the territory of participating in gymnastics, but it hasn’t deterred her.

“Gymnastics is a sport where injuries happen, but you don’t let that stop you from enjoying it. Learn to look out for overtraining, adjust, and let your body recover.”

For Danielle, the master’s gymnastics community is more than competition, it’s a supportive community. “The master’s community is a team collective. From 19 years old to 30 years and over, everyone cheers each other on.”

“I’ve never felt alone because the support is always there,” Danielle says.

Danielle also values how gymnastics has improved every aspect of her life.

“Your quality of life improves when you do something you enjoy. It’s not about being a top-tier athlete. It’s about being invigorated by a sport you love and putting that energy into all areas of your life.”

Her advice for those considering a new sport, entering a competition for the first time, or getting back into something you love, “you might be hesitant to start something new but know that everyone has untapped potential to unlock. Firstly, go for it. Secondly, not gently, but realistically.”

Danielle concludes that, “there will be hard times, but you can push through them. Build little by little, and you’ll gain so much. And remember, your actions can inspire someone else to take the first step too.”

The journeys of athletes like Danielle Connelly remind us that the Australian Masters Games are more than a competition. The Games are a community where age and experience are no barriers to discovering joy in any sport. As a masters athlete, you already know the transformative power of staying active. Now, imagine how your story could inspire someone else to begin their journey.

Is there a friend, family member, or colleague who’s been curious about trying something new or reconnecting with a past passion? Invite them to join you at the Games and together, you can share the excitement, challenges, and triumphs of playing without limits.

Who will you invite to the 20^th Australian Masters Games, 18 – 25 October 2025 in Canberra? Registrations open 29 January 2025, explore your next sporting challenge.