Alysha Read believed the New Zealand nationals of July 2022 would be her swan song in the world of rhythmic gymnastics.
With a goal to win, she placed second.
Alysha, who was 17 at the time, stepped away from the sport, though in the back of her mind she still had more to give.
In the three years since taking the floor, Alysha finished her schooling at Hauraki Plains College, completed a Diploma in Professional Scuba Instruction, and got a job working for Dive Zone Whitianga.
She had traded leotards with wetsuits, ribbons and hoops with snorkels and flippers, but now she’s preparing to step back into the arena after being selected for the New Zealand gymnastics team to compete in Australia.
“Honestly… trialling [for the team] this year was a very impulsive decision,” she said. “In the back of my head I always knew I had more to give to the sport and I wanted to represent New Zealand. The opportunity came up, so I jumped at it, having no idea how I would do it logistically.”
Alysha, now 20, starts her weeks off in Auckland, where she partakes in club trainings on Mondays and Tuesdays before driving back to Whitianga for work.
She said it took her a long time to find a solid routine, but always made sure of one thing:
“That I wake up in the place I am supposed to be, instead of driving back the morning of.
“For example, Sunday nights I will always drive to Auckland straight after work so I can be in the gymnastics mindset when I wake up. Every Tuesday after training, I drive back to Whiti so I wake up ready for work on Wednesday. I’ve found that helps to keep my focus on whatever I have to do that day instead of blurring the lines and being in the wrong headspace.”
Alysha told The Profile she was originally only going to return for the 2025 season of rhythmic gymnastics after accomplishing what she set out to do.
“But being back competing, training, loving it so much, I’m wondering why I would stop while my body is able and I have a way of making it work,” she said. “This year, my main goal is to succeed at gymnastics and give it everything I have. Next year, I feel like I will turn my focus back to work, upskilling, and getting some money back. I love my job and can’t see myself doing anything else yet – but gymnastics will still be in the picture, I love it too much to stop again now.”
Besides, there were a few similarities between diving and gymnastics, she said, such as utilising physical abilities such as strength and coordination, as well as the feeling of floating and freedom.
“When you are in the right headspace on the gym floor, everything works and there’s so much freedom – same as underwater: the calmer you are the better the outcome,” she explained.
“There’s also such a rhythm to both. Gymnastics you have music and you find your flow, underwater – the ocean is your music and it has a rhythm you must move with, you can’t fight it, you have to go with it.”
The Australian Nationals will be held this July on the Gold Coast, and while Alysha would love to medal again, she’s focusing on putting on a performance to be proud of.
“I’ve been calling this year Project Comeback to see what I’m capable of and get back in the game again.”
BY KELLEY TANTAU
