The group, comprised of two-time Olympian Lidiia Iakovleva, alongside debutantes Phoebe Learmont, Saskia Broedelet, Emmanouela Frroku and Jessica Weintraub, recorded the best result for an Australian Team in the event with their placing.

The Hoop routine got their competition rolling, as the audience clapped along enthusiastically to a remixed version of ‘Heads will Roll’, with the dance tune seeing the energy build in the arena.

Their synchronicity was on keen display throughout, as they wowed with challenging combinations to record a score of 31.400.

The second routine, utilising a mix of Ribbons and Balls, was more dramatic as the group changed up the pace and style from their first routine.

Scoring 27.050 to leave the team with a final score 58.450.

For the group, the experience was heightened by the eagerness and support of the crowd, which kept up a steady stream of cheering and chants throughout.

“It was so surreal,” Saskia said. “I think the crowd really helped us stay grounded and kept us going.”

“It was almost an out of body experience; one minute we were out the back getting ready and then we were on the floor competing,” Emmanouela echoed.

The group, who train together in Brisbane, the highlight of the competition was to experience it together, with the support of coaches both here and in Australia instrumental to their success.

“I just want to say thank you to our coaches because they brought us together and they’ve done so much work to help us get to where we are today,” Lidiia said.

“I think the highlight of today was making them proud. We’re just so happy to show them that all the work paid off, and we’re forever grateful to them.”

While they’re unsure if a tilt at Los Angeles 2028 is on the cards, one thing they do know is that their result could signal a step forward for the sport.

“Being so close to an Olympic final is something to be proud of and we’ve shown that it’s achievable. Hopefully it helps to grow the sport in Australia.”

Zoe Lorenzin