EIGHT local gymnasts will today test themselves against the state’s best at the October Victorian Championships in Geelong.

The Hamilton and District Gymnastics Club level three and four teams will ply their trade across four apparatuses – floor, beam, uneven bars and vault.

The level three team is coming off a recent Western Region championship winning performance, and club coach, Tamela Lowery said

“We are all really excited,” she said.

“They are all looking really good, each competition they get stronger and stronger and that is all we can ask for.”

Half the contingent goes in with extra confidence after the level three quartet claimed local honours at a recent event.

“Level three won the West Regional Champs, but we are competing in a different calibre in the metro region, so we could surprise ourselves,” Lowery said.

Despite the added confidence, it will be the first state championships for the group and coach, as they embrace the challenge in a new setting.

“None of the girls have competed at the state championships before, some have competed in Geelong, but not at the Geelong Arena, so it is a pretty big deal,” Lowery said.

“There are a few nerves for me as well, I have never coached at a state championships before.

“So it will be good to be down there with the big wigs.”

The championship debut is exciting for the club and Lowery

“I think they will all handle it really well.

“We are embracing it, it is a really good opportunity for the girls with all the fanfare.”