biography

Although relatively unknown at the beginning of 1999, Jacqui Dunn is no longer a nameless face at Australian and International meets.

Jacqui began her gymnastics career at the HUB YMCA in 1990, she turned 6 on the 5th of March that year. After 6 months of training there, her talent was already shining and she moved to the South Australian Institute of Sport gymnastics program at Marion.

Five years ago it became apparent that to give Jacqui a chance at major International events, the family would have to split for several years. Jacqui and her mother moved to Canberra (ACT) so Jacqui could train at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). Her father, a brother and a sister stayed in Adelaide. Despite the enormous emotional and financial strain this put on the family, her results can be seen rapidly improving sice the move to the AIS.

The more intensive program that the AIS has to offer as well, as tougher competition from her team mates there, have brought out the best in Jacqui's gymnastic performances. Jacqui's selection in the 1999 and 2001 Australian World Championship team, as well as the 2001 Goowill Games team, show her continuing improvement and ability to be one of Australia's Premier gymnasts. In 2001 Jacqui became the Australian Gymnastics Champion.

Jacqui not only competed in the 1999 World Championships, her uneven bars and beam routines contibuted valuably towards the Australian team score, she also came though on floor when her team needed her the most. The performace showed Jacqui's incredible ability to compete under pressure, her scores boosted the Aussie team to a best ever 5th place finishing.

At these Championships Jacqui performed an original mount on the beam (see "Skills"), therefore it will now forever be known as "The Dunn".

Jacqui was awarded a full AIS residential scholarship in late 2000, so she now lives and trains at the Institute, while the rest of her family lives in Adelaide.

Jacqui showed incredible form in 2001. She finished 29th overall at the World Championships, and tied for 6th on the uneven bars. At the DTB cup, later in the year, she won the gold medal on the beam, which was a huge achievement for Jacqui, as well as Australian gymnastics in general.

If Jacqui's current form is any indication, 2002 is going to be a huge year for Jacqui's gymnastics career.