Cue 1 Spotlight GO! – Charlotte Lord

Charlotte Lord – A Generational Passion – Celebrating RSSS 2024 Graceful Solo Winners.

Charlotte Lord is a third generation calisthenics participant, with her grandmother, mother and aunty all paving the way for her own calisthenics journey. She started at just three years old and has been with Jeaden Calisthenics College since. Inspired by her early love for performing and the discipline required, she found joy in working towards goals and making lasting connections with her teammates. For Charlotte, performing on stage, whether solo or as part of a team, is a unique and thrilling experience, and the skills she has developed in calisthenics have been invaluable in her role as a primary school teacher. Winning the 2024 RSSS Graceful Solo competition was unexpected for Charlotte, but meant a great deal to her. She has always held the RSSS Graceful competition in high regard and the 100 years of Graceful solo felt like the perfect way to finish her solos. She originally had doubts about whether she could manage the competition as it has always held great personal and historical significance. This unexpected win was a culmination of years of dedication, and the unwavering support of her coach, Lucinda Williams.

Calisthenics and being part of a team has always brought Charlotte a deep sense of fulfillment, but winning the RSSS title added an extra layer of excitement and was truly a dream come true. In her eyes, the award carried the weight of generations – it was not just her award, it was shared with so many: her Mum, coach, fiancé, Nanny, supporters, friends, and teammates. Charlotte’s involvement in calisthenics has been deeply fulfilling, and the award symbolizes not only her personal success but also the shared sacrifices and dreams of her family, friends, and teammates. She cherishes the sense of community and the lifelong friendships she has formed through the sport. Throughout her calisthenics journey, Charlotte has learned to manage stage nerves through consistent practice and mental preparation, embracing nervous energy rather than fighting it. The support of her teammates, coaches, and family has been crucial during tough times, providing motivation and reminding her of her purpose. Charlotte’s training sessions are rigorous, focusing on stamina, confidence, and continuous improvement, which has helped her excel in competitions.

Looking to the future, Charlotte hopes to stay involved in calisthenics through coaching and possibly adjudicating. She envisions the sport gaining more recognition and opportunities for participants worldwide. Beyond her involvement in calisthenics, Charlotte is passionate about her work as a primary school teacher and enjoys spending time with her loved ones and her golden retriever, Frankie. The lessons and skills she has gained from calisthenics have shaped her life profoundly, both personally and professionally.