In an outstanding result for Australian Gymnastics, 15 year old VIS scholarship holder, Monette Russo has placed 2nd in the All Around competition, and Balance Beam apparatus final at the Athens International (Olympic Test Event), held in Athens over the last week.

In a strong field of 30 gymnasts, Monette scored 37.524 in a terrific all-around individual performance only to be beaten for the gold by .025 by USA Courtney McCool (37.549). Romanian Alexandra Eremia (37.274) and Russian Anna Pavlova (37.199) finished third and fourth respectively.

Monette’s individual performance also rewarded her with a place in two Apparatus finals; balance beam and uneven bars. Although she placed eighth in the uneven bars final, an outstanding performance on the beam, her favourite apparatus, resulted in a second silver medal, which prompted the following comments from National Head Coach Peggy Liddick:

“Monette was as solid as a rock out there. She nailed her routine in a very high standard field of competitors. Her performances this week have been outstanding and have helped to keep Australia’s name up there in front of the judges for the forthcoming Olympics.”

Gymnastics Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, Jane Allen also said of the result:

“Monette is really starting to show her enormous talent. Her performances at the 2003 World Championships (13th All Around) and 2004 American Cup (4th All Around) along with this result indicate that she has emerged as a real contender on the world stage.”

It is the just the tonic we need at this stage in our preparations for the Olympic Games.”

The Olympic Test Event also comprised of a team event with China and Russia placing first and second. USA, Romania and Australia did not send a team.

Allen commented further:

“Both these countries have regrouped from the 2003 World Championships where we took the bronze from them. We always knew they would be stronger at the Olympics.”

Monette returns to Australia on Tuesday to join her Australian Squad team mates as they prepare for the Pacific Alliance team competition to be held in April in Hawaii.

Gymnastics Australia will be conducting their Women’s Artistic Olympic Trials at the Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre from 19th – 22nd May.