Gymnast Mary-Anne Monckton returns to coaching in Newcastle

Former elite gymnast Mary-Anne Monckton has returned to her roots in Newcastle to teach at CAPTivate Adult Gymnastics. After a high-performance career that included ten Australian National Championships, three World Championships, and serving as a reserve for the 2012 London Olympic team, Monckton transitioned away from the sport following a career-ending ACL tear in 2016.

Reflecting on her time training at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, Monckton noted the intense pressure of training 37 hours a week from a young age. She expressed that during her competitive years, she often felt a lack of ownership over her own body, as athletes were frequently taught to push through pain and follow strict repetition protocols.