Fiji’s Robyn Eastgate is poised to make history as she prepares to become the first athlete to represent Fiji in Aerobic Gymnastics at the 2025 FIG Suzuki World Cup in Tokyo. This significant achievement is set to occur from April 26 to 27, 2025, as top aerobic gymnasts from around the globe gather for this prestigious event.
At just 17 years old, Eastgate, a Senior International Athlete from the Gymnastics Federation of Fiji and the 2023 Fiji Sports Awards Female Young Athlete of the Year, understands the weight of her historic representation. She is determined to be a role model for fellow athletes in Fiji, particularly those facing significant challenges, inspiring them to persist in their sporting pursuits.
Currently training in Tokyo, Eastgate’s foray into Aerobic Gymnastics began in 2020 when she first took to the stage as a performer. Her competitive journey began seriously in 2022, yet she navigates her training without a local coach due to a lack of internationally qualified Aerobic Gymnastics coaches in Fiji. However, her routine was choreographed by Australian coach Deborah Greenbaum, who has provided training assistance in Sydney earlier this year under a scholarship, while Eastgate is also coached online by Lynette Moreno from the Philippines.
The increase in international representation for Fijian athletes, similar to the notable achievements of Irene Mar, a para-taekwondo athlete recently recognized for her nominations in the Fiji Sports Woman of the Year awards, highlights a growing trend of female athletes breaking barriers in Fiji. Mar’s accomplishments and Eastgate’s impending debut demonstrate the potential for future success in various sports, encouraging more young women in Fiji to pursue their dreams.
The upcoming FIG Suzuki World Cup not only represents a personal milestone for Eastgate but also embodies a broader hope for Fiji’s growing presence in international gymnastics and sports overall. This trajectory suggests that with dedication and support, the possibilities for athletes from Fiji are limitless.
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