A huge well done to Team Wales women’s artistic gymnast Sofia Micallef on successfully completing her first coaching qualification!
Commonwealth Games star Sofia, aged 17, has just recently passed her Women’s Artistic Level 1 course – supported by Welsh Gymnastics as part of our Athlete Development Framework.
We caught up with her for a quick chat about that…
Congratulations, Sofia! Your own coaches are very proud of your achievement… you must also be very pleased?
Yes, very pleased. It was really nice when I received my Level 1 coaching certificate. And it’s always good when you can make your coaches happy!!
What motivated you to do the course?
Gymnastics has been a huge part of my daily life and has given me some wonderful experiences. As well as adding to my skill set, it gives me a chance to give something back to the sport.
What did you enjoy most about the course?
The practical hands-on part of the course was the most enjoyable. It’s where I feel most comfortable.
Did you have anyone who helped you who you would like to thank?
Of course, I would like to thank Welsh Gymnastics for supporting me through the course, and the tutor Collete, who took part in the practical sessions. My parents, for keeping me motivated but mostly I would like to thank my three younger talented fellow gymnasts Ffion, Olivia and Sophia – who took part and helped me pass my final practical assessment.
Is the coaching path something you’d like to explore and develop further in the future?
I think I will most definitely be looking to expand my coaching qualifications.
Attaining my Level 1 gives me an opportunity to explore a potential career in future. I started out in gymnastics at the age of five and I do believe my own experiences both past and present will certainly help me in my coaching.
However at the moment I am fully focused on my own gymnastics. Getting back to full fitness after a stop- start year due to injury is my main goal and, hopefully, begin the new year ready for competition.
Which coaches have inspired you?
My current coaches inspire me daily and they go above and beyond to help myself and my team mates become better gymnasts!
This inspiration is what I hope I may be able to achieve in the coming years.
Pob lwc Sofia!