Cue 1 - Spotlight - GO!
Bella Faulkner – Gold Medallist with Honours.
Calisthenics has been a cornerstone of Bella Faulkner’s life since she officially started calisthenics at the age of three. Her journey began when her sister received a flyer at kindy, sparking a family-wide passion for the sport. Over the past 17 years, she has been a dedicated member of Reynella Braeview Calisthenics, competing in 10 national teams and representing South Australia in solo, duo, and graceful competitions. For Bella, calisthenics is more than just a sport; it has provided her with resilience, friendships, and countless cherished memories.
Bella’s sister was her first and biggest inspiration. As she grew older, Bella was fortunate to be surrounded by inspiring coaches, teammates, and role models who shaped her into the athlete and person she is today. Their unwavering support and belief in her have pushed Bella to reach new heights and chase her cali dreams. Every step of the way, she has been uplifted by those around her, inspiring her to push her limits and achieve more than she ever thought possible.
Bella’s calisthenics journey is filled with proud moments. Winning the Junior National Solo title in 2017 and the Intermediate Nationals Team title in 2019 are among her most cherished achievements. Competing on the prestigious stages of the Royal South Street and National Competitions for her solo in 2023 was a dream come true. Bella is also excited to have been selected for the upcoming 2024 Royal South Street Graceful Girl competition.
Recently, receiving her Gold Medal Honours has been one of the most inspiring highlights of her journey. Passionate about the skills program, Bella has always dreamed of completing her medals. She says it has been one of the most incredible experiences to learn from some amazing people and grow in all aspects of calisthenics. The feeling of achievement and knowing that all her hard work has paid off, especially after receiving her honours, is something she will cherish forever. It’s a moment that reminds her why she pours her heart into this sport, a feeling of pride, joy, and gratitude.
Bella has countless treasured memories from her calisthenics journey, but one feeling stands out—the pure exhilaration of finishing a routine, knowing she has given it her all and nailed every move. Hearing the audience cheer, she can’t help but soak in the atmosphere, feeling the energy and pride that comes from knowing her hard work has paid off, making every practice and challenge worth it.
One of the main challenges Bella has faced in her calisthenics career is managing her time effectively while balancing work, university studies, coaching a team, solo performances, teamwork, and skills exams. Staying organized is essential to keep everything on track. During tough times, Bella feels incredibly lucky to be surrounded by so much support. Her friends, family, and coaches are always there to lift her up and give her the boost she needs. Their encouragement means the world to her, especially during challenging moments.
Bella believes that calisthenics is her life – she has never known anything else. This sport has given her lifelong friendships and a sense of belonging and taught her invaluable life lessons. She believes that it has instilled in her resilience, showing her how to overcome challenges and bounce back from setbacks. The dedication and hard work required have strengthened her determination, pushing her to strive for excellence and never give up. Through countless hours of practice and performance, she’s learned about perseverance, commitment, and the importance of giving her all. Calisthenics has become more than just a sport, it’s a part of who she is, and she grateful for every moment it has provided, and she is excited for the many ways it will continue to influence her life.
