Sydney Catholic Schools Gymnastic Championships Recognise Incredible Talent

The annual Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) Gymnastics Championships has again proven to be a spectacular display of talent, with the 2025 event showcasing the incredible talent and competitive spirit of SCS gymnasts.

The high level of skill in the competition has created a buzz of excitement around the event. With outstanding talent on display, this year delivered on memorable performances, celebrating both individual achievement and team success.

Participation this year was stellar, with more than 100 participants from 20 schools across the Sydney archdiocese getting actively involved and participating in this event, making it a true celebration of student athleticism and school spirit.

Philippa Fitzgerald, a Year 10 student from St Patrick’s College, Sutherland, is one of many examples of the sporting skills SCS fosters through events and competitions such as these.

Winning the Level 9 competition and competing in Level 10 externally, the Junior Olympic Program’s highest level, Fitzgerald is no stranger to the effort, excitement, and challenges that gymnastics brings.

Reflecting on her sporting career thus far, Fitzgerald says, “I started gymnastics 10 years ago at YMCA Caringbah. I was there for five years, then moved to Shire Gymnastics before moving to Rosemary Club.”

“My coach and my teammates are my biggest motivators.”

After sustaining a major injury earlier in the year, Fitzgerald was eager to get back into competition mode and show off the talent she exudes.

“In January, I broke my tibia and had to get surgery for it, and this is my second competition after six months, so it was fun just to compete again.”

Looking forward, she says, “I will be aiming to compete internationally and hopefully at the 2030 Commonwealth Games, at the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.”

The competition, which is always a day of immense skill, school pride, and memorable moments for the SCS sporting community, was held last Friday, June 27, at the Sydney Gymnastic and Aquatic Centre in Rooty Hill.

This year’s competition features the strongest lineup yet, with gymnasts competing on vault, bars, beam, and floor. Students have the opportunity to win individual apparatus awards within their level, as well as the top-performing school team being recognised as winning the overall event.

Anne Baskerville, a teacher at La Salle College, Bankstown, and the SCS Gymnastics coordinator, said of the competition, “this event showcases the beautiful talent of our students in a speciality area.”

“Not only do the students enjoy themselves on the day, but the competition also rewards students who put in so much training to represent their school,” she said.

Congratulations to Domremy Colllege Fivedock, who won the overall team event on the day.