CHRISTMAS came sweet last year for 10-year old gymnast Jose Caballero, who was picked to train at China’s Institute of Gymnastics early this year.
By TITUS FILIO
Ang Kalatas
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The shy Year 5 Filipino-Australian student from St Peter Chanel Catholic Primary is one of rising athletic talents trained at the Gymnastics NSW High Performance Centre.
At the NSW Junior state championships last year, he placed first on floor, pommel horse, parallel bars, high bars; 2nd on vault and 3rd on rings. He was overall first place champion.
“He started gymnastics when he was five years old as he was a very active child and I wanted him to use all his energy so he would sleep at night.” said hismother Joan..
“Later that year, he was scouted by a levels coach who wanted to train him so he could start competing.”
Just a year after competing at the first level of gymnastics, Jose was approached by the Gymnstics NSW High Performance Centre where he would increase his training days and be recognised as an elite gymnasts.
Today, he trains six days a week, directly from school, and on Saturday mornings.
Jose has made many sacrifices to be a gymnast but the sport helped him to be disciplined in other areas. Like other kids, he doesn’t have the time to do homework after school so he has organised time during weekends to complete all school work.
He still enjoys being a kid and rides his bike, skateboard or plays on the iPad when he has free time.
This year, Jose is all set to join the senior division. He is scheduled for a week’s training and competition in China.
He’s excited about it doubling his concentration on his training as he sweats out to master his routines.
“His passion is gymnastics and his ultimate goal is to someday compete in the Olympics,” his mum says.
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PICTURE:
Jose Caballero at training.
