Saskia Broedelet

Rhythmic gymnastics, according to Queensland’s Saskia Broedelet, is “the most beautiful sport in the world”. She also believes it is among the most misunderstood. 

“It’s the perfect fusion of athleticism and art, where every movement tells a story,” Saskia says. “From the grace of the dance to the precision of the apparatus, it’s a mesmerising blend of strength and elegance. 

"I think rhythmic gymnastics is the most beautiful sport in the world. But it's also one of the least known and unappreciated. Behind the glitter and smiles, we work for hours and we work really hard. We have to be strong and very flexible with grace and coordination and able to master acrobatics and skills with the ball, hoop, clubs, rope and ribbon.” 

None of that mattered, though, when Saskia got involved with rhythmic gymnastics as a five-year-old in Brisbane – then, it was all about fun. 

"It was just for fun, an hour a week, but over the next few years my hobby became my passion and my life,” she says. “I loved the challenges, learning new skills and practising really hard to perfect them." 

After a successful junior career, competing at junior world championships, world cups and world challenge cups, Saskia became part of the Aspire Gymnastics group, which will compete in group rhythmic at the Paris Olympics. 

The group – Saskia, along with Emmanouela Frroku, Jess Weintraub, Lidiia Iakovleva and Phoebe Learmont – performed well throughout 2023, winning medals at competitions such as the Sofia Cup in Bulgaria. 

The group won a quota for Australia with a victory at the 2024 Oceania Continental titles in Budapest, Hungary. The championships were run in conjunction with the European titles. 

It is just the second time an Australian rhythmic gymnastics group has qualified to compete at an Olympic Games. 

As well as preparing for an Olympics, Saskia is studying law at Queensland University of Technology and works part-time as a law clerk.