The wait is almost over for 17 excited young Tamworth Gymnastics Club members.
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On Wednesday they fly out to the US for a 12-day tour.
Club coach Jan McGinnity said they endeavour to do a trip somewhere every couple of years. Three years ago (2017) they went to Singapore and prior to that Las Vegas and Los Angeles in 2016 and Hawaii in 2013.
They view it as not only a chance for them to experience a part of the world they might not otherwise and develop their gymnastics, but also a way to reward the girls for their hard work.
"They are very dedicated.
"They train 50 weeks of the year," McGinnity said.
The tour gives them something to look forward to, that bit of extra motivation to keep working hard.
This time they will be based in Dallas, and will be joined by a contingent of gymnasts, coaches and parents from Wollongong.
Around half of the Tamworth touring party were part of the Singapore tour. Three also went to Vegas.
But for most of the rest, it will be their first time travelling overseas.
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The highlight of the trip from a gymnastics perspective will be the Texas Prime Meet, which is run by former Olympian Kim Zmeskal and will involve gymnasts from clubs all over America.
"It gives the kids an opportunity to see how they stand up against the rest of the world," McGinnity said.
The three Level 9 competitors will also have the chance to be selected to compete in the Legendz Classic, where they will be mentored by a World or Olympic legend.
The club has previously done well in the competitions on their tours.
McGinnity said in Singapore they were were probably the champion club while in Vegas most of the kids won a medal.
Outside of training and competition there will be plenty of opportunity for sightseeing. Universal Studios and the JFK Memorial are on the itinerary.
They will also have the chance to watch an ice hockey game and college basketball game, and have organised a training session at the UCLA gym.
The trip will cap off what has been a great 12 months for the club on and off the mat.
They had a number of gymnasts achieve representative honours including four in NSW sides.They also hosted 1000 gymnasts at the Country Capital Cup, and hosted the National Primary Games and North West Regional Championships.
"2019 was a very successful year for the club," McGinnity said.
