Gymnastics Squad Preps for Commonwealth Games at AIS

With the Glasgow Commonwealth Games on the horizon, Australia's Women's Artistic Gymnastics squad laid the groundwork for its 2026 campaign during a week-long training camp at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) this month.

Led by new National Coach, Tara Duncanson, the camp established strong foundations with a focus on team bonding, skill refinement, control testing and goal setting for the year ahead, including preparations for the Commonwealth Games in July.

"It was purely to bring everyone together, see the level, and also practise that preparation for competition," Duncanson said.

"It gives them a base of where they're at and how they can improve in the next period and to make them accountable and strive to reach that higher goal."

With the squad usually spread across interstate programs, the chance to live and train together was a highlight for many of the gymnasts.

"The best thing about being at the AIS is definitely being with the whole team, training and hanging out throughout the week because we don't get the chance to do that often," artistic gymnast Breanna Scott said.

Fellow squad member Kate McDonald said the support available on campus added to the experience.

"We have access to physio, massage, nutritionists; pretty much anything that we need which has been really good," McDonald said.

Making a special appearance was three-time Olympian and eight-time Commonwealth Games medallist Allana Slater, who provided valuable insight in her current role as an international judge.

"One of the focuses of the camp was artistry, so having her explain all the different points of artistry we should be focusing on was a pretty big deal for us," McDonald said.

With international competitions and more AIS training camps to come, Duncanson says the team is well placed as preparations continue to build.

"For where we are now, I'm feeling pretty good considering it's February," she said.

"We've got the time to keep working on different areas and keep building."