Shaneez Johnston was spotted at a country gymnastics competition and at the age of 10, moved away from her parents' home in Wyrallah to train at the New South Wales Institute of Sport under the guidance of Edith Peluso. Her parents joined her 2 years later.
Johnston says:
"I want to be the best. It makes me feel good when I am achieving something. If you do not do all the work you would never get the feeling. When you achieve something, it gives you a boost to your self-esteem."
She has improved in style and presentation over the last few years, and has ditched a conservative bun for a trendy ponytail a la Elena Vitrichenko. One of the more expressive members of the Australian team, her dynamic routines are occasionally marred by inconsistencies in her execution. Johnston uses her supple lower back to her advantage during arches and acrobatic elements, and has recently been seen performing a rare single pivot in a back flexion position.
Johnston is now already into her third year of senior competition and is set on competing in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. She performed well in 1997, placing 5th overall at the Four-Continents Championships and representing Australia at the 1997 World Championships in Germany. In 1998 she won three individual medals at the 1998 Commonwealth Games, showing us how this talented athlete is gradually developing into one of Australia's most promising rhythmic gymnasts.
