Ethan Dick, Gymnastics (18)

AIMES Emerging Talent Award 2018 (Sport)

18 year old Rosmini College student Ethan Dick was a member of the New Zealand Men’s Gymnastics team at the Commonwealth Games held on the Gold Coast earlier this year. He was the youngest member of the team and was one of only two 17 year olds that competed in Men’s Gymnastics at the Games.

This selection followed an intensive year of training and competing for Ethan, both nationally and internationally to meet qualifying standards. He is a five time New Zealand All Around Champion and has represented New Zealand in gymnastics many times from the age of 12. He trains and competes as an All Around Gymnast which means he does all six apparatus – Floor, Pommel, Rings, Vault, High Bar and Parallel Bars.
Ethan has been doing gymnastics since he was five years old and this year was his first year as a senior athlete. He trains for 30 hours a week. Next year he is intending to study part time at university and dedicate as much time as possible to his gymnastics career. Competitions for the Olympics Games 2020 start at the end of this year and continue through 2019.
"Should I be successful in achieving an award it will enable me to focus on my study and training without the worry of helping to fund the necessary overseas competitions I need for experience and qualifications,” explained Ethan Dick in his AIMES Award application. "Gymnastics in New Zealand is totally self funded and whilst I am lucky to have an incredibly supportive family behind me the cost of training, uniforms, gymnastics grips/guards and travelling to national and international competitions is considerable."
"My goals now are to compete in World Championships, World Cups, an Olympic Games and most definitely another Commonwealth Games – possibly with my younger brother also next to me. I am completely dedicated to my training and making more of my dreams a reality. The Commonwealth Games have been the highlight of my career so far as a gymnast.  The older and more experienced members of my team were a huge support and help to me whilst we were away. It is my hope that in four years time I can also be that support and experience for younger members of our team. I was extremely happy and proud of my placings at the 2018 Games on the Gold Coast and it is now my aim to medal at the next Commonwealth Games, as a team and on an individual apparatus."
Ethan Dick’s achievements to date: 5 time NZ All Around Champion; Australia Championships – 1st Pommel, team 1st; Massey University Harbour Sports Excellence Award – Junior Team of the year (2012); Brisbane Championships – 1st All Around; Valerie Liukin Invitational – Texas – 1st All Around; Pacific Rim Championships – 6th All Around – All 6 apparatus finals; Berlin Junior Team Cup, 17th All Around; Japan Junior International Championships 2017, Finished in the top 8 for All Around, 8th in High Bar Finals and 6th in Pommel Finals; World Cup 2018 Melbourne, first competition as a Senior Athlete, competed Pommel and Parallel Bars only as this competition was a lead up to Commonwealth Games and for experience; Commonwealth Games 2018, day 1 qualified in 16th place All Around, qualifying for Finals and Floor Finals, Team finished in 6th place, All Around Finals finished 11th – top AA placing for all NZ Gymnasts at these Games,  Floor Finals – finished in 5th place – top apparatus placing for all NZ Gymnasts at these Games, 0.466 points behind the gold medal position and beating the current Olympic Champion.
Ethan is looking ahead to success over the next five years 2019-2024. Events will include World Cups, World Championships, Universiade Games, Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games.
"It honestly means so much to me to be honoured enough to receive this AIMES Emerging Talent Award,” said Ethan in  early October. "As my goals and dreams are becoming more of a reality – the first being selection and competing at the Commonwealth Games – it means so much that others have shown they also believe in me and that I can achieve my goals. To have the support of a group other than my family and coach/club inspires me to keep doing what I’m doing and continue to reach my goals.
"Next year I am intending to study part time at University and dedicate as much time as possible to training and my gymnastics career. With my main goal being to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Qualification gymnastic competitions for the Olympics Games 2020 start at October/November this year and continue through 2019. This includes World Championships and World Cup Competitions. The funds I am fortunate enough to receive will help to fund the necessary overseas competitions I need for experience and qualifications."
 
Ethan Dick receives the AIMES Emerging Talent Award from the North Harbour Club – sponsored by Bellingham Wallace – including a cash grant of $7,500.