Source: University of Otago
Brooke Davies was recently nominated for 2022 Sportsperson of the Year.
Defending a national title, competing in Portugal and studying full-time is just the status quo for a student with a bright future.
Bachelor of Science (Sport and Exercise, Human Nutrition) student Brooke Davies was recently nominated for 2022 Sportsperson of the Year. It’s just one of many exciting achievements she has gathered over time as an aerobic gymnast.
“My whole life has revolved around sport in some way.”
The 20-year-old, who is originally from Auckland, says it influenced her decision to study at Otago.
“I loved the idea of being in the South Island to experience the local lifestyle and take advantage of the amazing opportunities on offer such as and amazing range of hiking trails. I also received an Otago Performance Scholarship which absolutely was a bonus.”
Brooke started her journey with aerobic gymnastics at age five and enjoys the on-going growth it brings.
“It is fitness, strength and flexibility combined. It’s also a good social activity. The challenge of the sport keeps me going – there’s always something to learn and something to do.”
Earlier this year Brooke travelled to Portugal to compete in the aerobic gymnastics World Championships, after which she completed her Semester 1 exams and then defended her title at the national championships in Invercargill.
“I’m definitely a believer of balance in life. It depends on the season, what’s happening with exams and where I’m at with training, but balance is so important to have”
She says this belief system carries over into her study life quite well.
“During exam season, I try to maintain a good balance of training between aerobics, hiking and the gym. I find exercising in my study breaks helps me focus when I turn my attention to study.”
“I’ve also found the sport and exercise papers relevant to gymnastics, you can apply it to what you do outside of study, especially in my field of training.”
In the future Brooke would like to continue the works she does helping other athletes complete their national aerobic coaching certification and eventually work in high-performance sport.
She says while it’s a hard field to get into, she’s still working towards it and is keeping an open mind for what the future has in store.
Kōrero by Internal Communications Adviser Chelsea McRae
