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ISSUE 31 | OCTOBER 2014
VILLA NEWS
Ou r Commonwea lth
Games Sta r
Amelia Coleman
Five-time New Zealand rhythmic
gymnastics champion and current Year
13 student, Amelia Coleman, competed in
the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. We
have asked Amelia to share some of her
experience with us.
“My first impression of Glasgow was
really good, so many Scottish volunteers
and they were all so welcoming. The
New Zealand part of the Commonwealth
Village was set up so well. It made me
feel a part of the big team straight away
and relaxed about what can be such a
stressful event.
The Village was amazing, I couldn’t
believe how big it really was. You would
stand at one entrance and you couldn’t
see the end. That was only the width of
it let alone the length! My favourite place
was the dining hall. Everyone ate here
and it was the perfect place to meet and
chat with new people over a meal.
The competition was incredible. The
SSE Hydro Arena, where the rhythmic
gymnastics took place, was huge! I
had 12,000 people sitting there around
me watching and the atmosphere was
amazing. To my surprise I wasn’t so
nervous - the huge stadium, cheering
crowd, bright lights and cameras just got
me excited. Knowing that so many family
and friends were cheering me on from
home was so cool too.
In terms of my own performance, I
competed on the first day in the teams
all-around competition, to qualify into
the next day, which was the individual
final all-around competition, you had to
be placed in the top 16 and I was the first
reserve for this, meaning I just missed
out by one person but competing in this
would have been a real bonus as it was
not one of my expectations.
The main thing I have learnt from this
experience is that goals can be achieved
and it is the most rewarding feeling,
especially when it is something as big as
this. It is an unforgettable experience. I
learnt that it’s also so important to soak
up every single second of those moments
and remind yourself where you are
because of the many long and hard years
of preparation.
I encourage all Villa girls to go for their
goals big or small, sport, music or
academic because the rewarding feeling
and proudness of yourself is one of the
most amazing in someone’s life.”
Amelia outside the Arena.
Amelia performing.
