A HORSHAM teenager will represent Victoria at the National Calisthenics Championships in Queensland on Saturday.
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Horsham Calisthenics College student Esther Craig, 15, was selected for the state’s intermediates team in November last year.
She has since attended classes every Sunday in Melbourne ahead of the national competition.
“I’m really nervous but I’m also excited about performing in Queensland, because it’s not something I have had the opportunity to do before,” she said.
Esther also competed at the national championships last year, but the competition was in Melbourne.
She is the only student from the Wimmera to ever be selected for the Victorian team twice.
“I’m feel more prepared than I was last year, because I know what to expect,” she said.
“Also it’s a bit more exciting to be travelling interstate.”
Esther and her family flew to Queensland on Tuesday.
She will now train with the Victorian team every day this week in the lead up to Saturday’s competition.
The team will compete in six categories.
“We don’t get to watch any of the other competitions that are on because we have to practice every day,” she said.
“I think we will do really well, we are prepared and hopefully we get good results on the day.”
Last year, the intermediate team finished third.
Esther said she has loved being in the state team.
“Being involved for the second time means I know what to expect this year,” she said.
“I also feel more confident in myself.”
Victoria will enter teams in the sub-junior, junior and intermediate age groups.
Esther is one of only three regional competitors for Victoria.
“There is a girl in the junior team from Shepparton and another girl in my team from just outside Ballarat,” she said.
Esther thanked her parents for their support throughout the year.
“Thanks to mum and dad for driving me to Melbourne every weekend,” she said.
“Also thank you to mum for making my costumes.
“A lot of hours went into rhinestoning and sequining.”
Horsham Calisthenics College principal coach Kylie Hermans wished Esther luck for Saturday’s competition.
“I am very proud of everything she has achieved so far and I know she will be beautiful on stage,” she said.
"She is lucky to have the experience to compete in Queensland alongside an elite group of young girls.”