Coach education is one of the least visible yet most decisive drivers behind the growth of gymnastics at the international level. Behind every new generation of athletes there is a network of coaches who refine teaching methods, share experiences, and update their knowledge in a sport that is constantly evolving. With this vision, Gymnastics Australia organized at the beginning of 2026 one of its most ambitious educational initiatives: a “mega academy”, designed to strengthen the preparation of coaches across the region.

More than 250 coaches from across Oceania gathered in Canberra between January 5 and 16 to take part in this large-scale academic event. The program brought together academies from six different disciplines under the educational standards of World Gymnastics, allowing coaches from various specialties to exchange knowledge, refine technical skills, and become part of a learning community that transcends borders.

An academy integrating six gymnastics disciplines

The structure of the “mega academy” was designed to cover a wide variety of disciplines and training levels. The program included Level 1 and 2 academies for men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics, rhythmic, acrobatic, aerobic, and trampoline and tumbling, as well as Level 3 academies for artistic gymnastics. This diversity allowed coaches with different professional backgrounds to take part in an educational process tailored to their stage of technical development.

The opening session took place at the Australian Institute of Sport, where all participants gathered before moving to the venues assigned to each discipline. Artistic gymnastics classes were held at the AIS, while rhythmic and trampoline sessions took place at the Tuggeranong sports complex. Acrobatic gymnastics was distributed among specialized clubs, with activities organized by Gungahlin Gymnastics and AcroGym, while aerobic gymnastics sessions were hosted at facilities such as Canberra City Gymnastics, reflecting the coordination between different training centers.

Technical evaluation and learning with international experts

One of the central elements of the program was the technical evaluation component, designed according to the educational requirements of World Gymnastics. During the opening session, each participant randomly drew a skill from the official syllabus, which then became the main focus of their evaluation throughout the academy. This exercise aimed to test the coaches’ ability to explain, analyze, and correct complex movements, simulating real training situations.

The scale of the event was also reflected in the participation of international specialists. A total of 26 experts linked to World Gymnastics served as instructors across the different disciplines, bringing technical expertise and global perspectives. For Skye Footner, director of the national academies at Gymnastics Australia, the initiative created a dynamic and diverse learning environment, where coaches, experts, demonstration gymnasts, and support staff worked together to strengthen gymnastics education and foster a collaborative community among professionals from different regions.