Joshua Gray - gold medal gymnast: video

Most children with Down syndrome have significantly low muscle tone (some babies are described as 'flopppy', and the ability of some children to 'go to jelly' is legendary) but that does not mean that they cannot develop great strength, and very effective gross motor skills. Muscle tone is not the same as muscle strength. In Special Olympics gymnastics at the highest levels, some of the best performing athletes are people with Down syndome, as we saw in the recent Special Olympics World Games in Greece. Their strength comes with dedicated training and expert coaching).

Joshua Gray from Sydney won 6  gold and one bronze medal in Gynastics (Level 1) in Athens, and had the time of his life. His whole family were there to cheer him on.  His older brother has posted this 5 minute video of Joshua's performances to You Tube.

We posted a link to Josh's post-Games interview with the Australian Jesish News here.

Now back at home, Josh is training to move up to Level 2 Gymnastics, with a demanding regime of gymnastics and fitness training five-six days a week. He has recently been appointed to a coaching position at his gym, supervising 7 - 9 year old gymnasts. On Sundays, Josh regularly trains at Olympic Park, then heads over to Kensington for a performance and drama class at NIDA. All of this fits around his job with an insurance company, and family life.

Congratulations Joshua, and very best wishes for your future.