Gymnastics
30 April, 2024
Puls makes history in Natimuk
In the gymnastic world, vault isn't Hailey Puls' favourite, nor is it her strongest suit. So, the now 20-year-old was extremely surprised to have claimed gold at the Championships in Victoria in the category last year.
Claiming first place at the event is one of the Horsham gymnasts’ biggest successes, along with gaining her accreditation for Level 10 in the sport.
Puls had competed in five championships at state before but said last year's event at Geelong was comparable to what people see on television - single apparatus under a spotlight, something she described as intimidating.
"The event last year was special because it was level 10, which is what I have been working towards for years," Puls shared.
"After trials we noticed to do well, I would have to increase my skills and so we changed my vault to something harder and I had four weeks to perfect it.
"I thought I had missed out when they were going through the placings from sixth upwards and couldn’t believe when I came first.
"And on an apparatus that is not normally my best or favourite…floor is my favourite."
Puls has been a gymnast since she was four, after her mum joined her up with the Natimuk Gymnastics Club.
"She joined me up to gym to get me involved in something active, but didn’t think callisthenics or dancing was for me," Puls said.
"I liked training with the girls, some of which will be my friends for life.
"I found out early on I was quite good at gym and I chose to attend competitions and I did very well.
"So, then I guess you could say I became quite competitive, and it was all about new skills that would get me further."
Puls described learning new skills as fun and rewarding but said achieving new skills together and competing with her friends was just as good.
"In the last few years, I have really enjoyed getting to know people more in other clubs and have made some great friends that way too," she said.
"I have also had really good coaches along the way that encouraged and understood me to achieve all that I have."
But Puls has had some challenges along the way - with confidence and COVID sometimes providing difficult to get past.
"Your confidence and mind can really get in your way in gymnastics, and I have had a few skills that one day I could do then the next day I couldn’t because I just overthought it," she said.
"I have not had any serious injuries from gymnastics but certainly pain and soreness along the way.
"Covid was a big hurdle, maintaining effort, fitness, skills when you are alone was hard away from your coaches and friends."
Achieving level 10 not only meant a lot to Puls, but it also meant for lots of celebration and recognition for her club, as she is the first gymnastic to reach that high of a level for them.
"The club is doing well at the state level every year now and it would be good to see that continue and see Natimuk get recognition for that," Puls said.
"It would also be great to see the club get more equipment.
"The club is also holding the Regional Championships for the first time this year."
Puls said she would like to see Gymnastics Victoria better understand the challenges of kids from regional and rural areas competing in Melbourne.
And personally, her goal is to continue coaching and improve her expertise in the field so she can continue to be involved as she gets older.