International Federation of Gymnastics names skill after Australian Gymnast

The International Federation of Gymnastics has recognised Australian gymnast Kate Sayer with a skill named in her honour. The new skill, titled ‘The Sayer’ has been added to the Women's Artistic Gymnastics Code of Points, marking Sayer as one of only six Australian women to achieve this significant distinction.

Sayer joins fellow Australian National Squad member Georgia Godwin and former Australian Women’s Artistic Gymnastics royalty in Trudy Macintosh, Jacqui Dunn, Lauren Mitchell and Mary-Ann Monckton in having a skilled named after them by the International Federation of Gymnastics.

As a taller gymnast, Sayer faced challenges executing the more common transition elements from High Bar to Low Bar on Uneven Bars due to her height, which made her more likely to hit the low bar. 

Training at Brisbane's Premier Gymnastics, Sayer, along with her coach, developed the innovative alternative transition, and after years of consistent practice and refinement, ‘The Sayer’ was perfected and first introduced in competition in 2021.

“I think it’s amazing to have a gymnastics skill named after me,” enthused Sayer. “Gymnastics is a sport that allows for flexibility in how things are done, and it’s an incredible feeling to be able to contribute something new.

“If you’d told me when I started gymnastics 17 years ago that I’d have this honour, I would never have believed it.”

‘The Sayer’ is now being performed in both national and international competitions, further cementing Sayer’s contribution to the sport.

Reflecting on the journey, Sayer expressed gratitude for the team behind her success adding  “a lot of hard work went into perfecting this skill, and I’m thankful to my coaches, for their support and encouragement throughout the process. Without them, this would not have been possible.”

Image. Credit: Kate Sayer Instagram