Nine-year-old Pia Grey has claimed the title of State Champion at the WA Junior Gymnastics Championships.
The Caladenia Primary School Student has shown precision and an impressive work ethic well beyond her years.
Training out of Forefront Gymnastics in Canning Vale, Pia began gymnastics at the age of four.
Her father, Leon Grey said her journey started like many other young girls; learning simple handstands and cartwheels. However, her confidence grew faster and her skills developed.
“At first, he was nervous and unsure,” Mr Grey said. “But as her skills improved, her confidence grew, and the hesitation faded.”
By 2022, Pia’s talent was unmistakable.
“She was picking up new skills and performing movements that some competitive gymnasts were doing – all while practicing at home,” Mr Grey said.
“Her coaches assessed her, and she transitioned straight from a Gym Fun class into the WG Forefront 1 class, which began her competitive gymnastics stream.”
Toay, Pia trains three times a week, totalling about eight and half hours of training. The family focuses on balance; while ensuring she gets enough rest and nutrition and staying on top of her school work.
“At home, she is always moving,” Mr Grey said.
“She’s bouncing on the lounge, practicing on her bed or running through routines in the kitchen. We encourage her to have fun while staying focused on her goals.”
That balance and focus paid off in spectacular fashion at this year’s State Championships. Despite some pre-competition nerves, Pia relied on mindfulness, breathing, and visualisation techniques to stay calm under pressure.
“The atmosphere was electric, with all the parents in the stands buzzing with excitement,” Mr Grey said.
Her coaches, Stefanie Bruder and Kaz Jednorog, described Pia as a gymnast who combines “natural talent with technical precision.”
“Pia scored an incredible 9.85 on Floor, the highest score across all levels and gymnasts at the competition,” they said.
“Her first-place-All-Around finish highlights her versatility and strength across all four apparatus…Vaults, Bars, Beam, and Floor.”
They said Pia “balances power and elegance with an exceptional work ethic” and that even in high-pressure competitions, she maintains focus and consistency.
When her name was announced as State Champion, Pia said she felt “excited and amazed.”
“I was happy,” she said.
“My favourite apparatus is floor because I like the dance and how it flows with music.”
She also wants people to know gymnastics takes “hard work and dedication.”
Pia celebrated her victory the best way she knew how…. with burgers, cheesy fries, and fizzy drinks at a restaurant in Canning Vale.
With her brother Jonah Grey already a State and National title holder in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, sporting excellence clearly runs in the family.
“Both of them are fiercely competitive,” Mr Grey said.
“Watching Jonah compete has taught Pia how to stay calm. She used to wear his medals around the house and dream of having her own wall of trophies.”
Now that dream has come true and Pia already has her eyes set on the next challenge.
“I want to make my skills look neat and tight, and be more balanced on the beam,” she said.
