Head of Artemis Gymnastics Katie Dunn has kept her students connected and engaged through Melbourne’s challenging lockdowns.
Like many of us, 2020 hasn’t gone as planned for the Artemis Centre’s Head of Gymnastics Katie Dunn.
In her 20 years of involvement in the sport, this year has certainly been unique.
“It’s been really different, really hard,” said Dunn.
“We had a very positive 2019 where we had lots of growth and lots of athlete improvement, we were on a roll.
“I thought 2020 would be the year everything kind of exploded and we’d really see the benefit of what we had been doing and then we went into lockdown.”
Despite the challenges of lockdown, Dunn made sure her program continued despite the restrictions.
Dunn created an online blog of videos, skills and tips to keep her young gymnasts engaged whilst they couldn’t access the Artemis Centre.
“I wanted to make sure we kept on improving and at least could do everything that we could at home like leg tension, flexibility, strength, handstands and basic shaping.
“Aiming to get those skills really solid and well done so that we didn’t have to spend as much time doing it in the gym when we came back.
During the second lockdown, Dunn introduced Zoom lessons to make her program more interactive.
“I’m really glad in lockdown round two I decided to run Zoom classes.
“It’s given a lot more kids the chance to do gymnastics and has also created a community vibe.”
“The students are often on the grass in their backyard, in their bedrooms or in the kitchen.
“We’ve had a core group of participants, but we’ve also had some new students.
“I found that quite interesting and I think it does take a bit of bravery to try something new.
“It’s been really exciting to watch.”
Though her group continues to kick goals away from the gym, Dunn says she cannot wait until her classes get back into the Artemis Centre.
“I think when that happens it will be completely energetic and crazy!
“I don’t want to be too strict.
“We will get the work done, but I’ll also let the kids have some fun.
“I think there will be a fair bit of excitement.”
With restrictions slowly easing in Victoria, here’s hoping that day will come around soon.