Cue 1 Spotlight GO! – Karyn Kelly & Paige Dineen

Karyn Kelly & Paige Dineen – A Mother-Daughter PanPac Powerhouse.

Pan Pacs participation is a family affair for the dynamic mother-daughter powerhouse Karyn Kelly and Paige Dineen. Karyn won gold in the 58-69 years Graceful Solo competition, and the 57-69 years Calisthenics Duo competition with partner Sue Horwood at the 2024 Pan Pacs; and Paige followed that up with a win in the 30-32 years Graceful Solo section. They then both went on to compete in the 40 to 43 years Team section with Innovation, bringing home gold in all 5 items they entered. We went behind the scenes to see what inspires these amazing competitors.

KARYN KELLY – A SAFE PLACE TO CALL HOME

Karyn Kelly started her calisthenics journey at the age of three, finding her cali family at the local Seaton club where she spent the next 17 years under the guidance of her coach, Kaye Butterworth. Despite wanting to play school netball or softball, her mum’s insistence on avoiding injuries for calisthenics kept her focused on the sport. Karyn’s dedication paid off when she won the Intermediate Graceful section at just 15, choreographing and rehearsing her routine by herself. Her most thrilling moment was stepping back on stage to perform a graceful routine after 43 years and winning at 57 years old – a real wow moment for her – especially knowing it was the last time her Mum would see her perform.

Karyn has faced many challenges, from dealing with an unsupportive partner to overcoming injuries like a broken wrist just weeks before a competition. She stays motivated through friendship, yoga, and trips to Bali, and remains focused on her training by living and breathing each item every day on her long drives to work. She believes that finding your tribe in calisthenics is imperative to longevity in the sport. Being part of the calisthenics community has been life- changing for her by giving her a creative outlet and a deep sense of belonging and purpose. She describes her tribe as her second family and safe place when she needs support, encouragement and a good laugh.

The Pan Pac games have provided numerous memorable moments for Karyn, particularly winning gold in the duo section with her partner Sue and celebrating triumphs with her daughter Paige, including both receiving gold in the Graceful section. An advocate of the ACF Skills Program and the essence of calisthenics, she would love to see a new generation of technically talented, physically strong competitors coming up through the ranks supported by the fantastic ACF skills program. Outside of calisthenics, Karyn enjoys pilates, body balance and a wine or two. She values the deep sense of belonging and purpose that comes from being part of the calisthenics community, and she hopes to see the Masters section grow and thrive. Karyn’s commitment to the sport is driven by her desire to promote fairness, compassion, and recognition for all competitors, ensuring that calisthenics continues to be a unique and cherished discipline.

PAIGE DINEEN – FAMILY MATTERS 

Although Paige’s first attempt to start calisthenics at the tender age of three was not successful, she joined the Seaton tinies class at the age of five, and has not looked back. The moment she performed a song and dance routine to “The Sound of Music,” she was hooked. Calisthenics runs in her family; her mum Karyn remains a successful competitor, and her nanny contributed her sewing and crafting talents. This family involvement inspired Paige, especially when she joined seniors, and the athletic challenges of the sport motivated her to push herself further. Her proudest moments include receiving the Innovation Senior Dance Award in 2014 and winning a gold medal for her graceful routine at the 2024 PANPAC Games.

Despite challenges such as injuries, which have forced Paige to adapt choreography and focus on rehabilitation, she remains motivated by setting performance goals. Training with her best friends and having her mum as both a coach and teammate enriches the experience. Paige stays prepared for competitions through increased lessons, strength training, and mental visualization. The calisthenics community feels like her extended family, and she aims to promote fairness and recognition for all competitors. Outside of calisthenics, Paige is passionate about teaching science and inspiring her students with the latest knowledge. She also enjoys painting, drawing, and singing, having worked as a paint-and-sip instructor and performed in a local cover band. Being part of a team with her closest friends and working with her mum has strengthened their bond and made every achievement more meaningful. Paige hopes to continue making significant contributions to the calisthenics community by promoting fairness, compassion, and recognition for often-overlooked sections like Masters.