Australia’s youngest gymnast heading to the Paris Olympic Games is still in disbelief.

“It feels like a dream. I never thought I’d go to the 2024 Olympics because I’m so young,” said 16-year-old Emmanouela Frroku told WA Gymnastics.

Emma, as she’s known, is part of Australia’s second-ever Rhythmic Gymnastics Group to compete at the Olympics, joining teammates Lidiia Iakovleva, Saskia Broedelet, Phoebe Learmont, and Jessica Weintraub.

While many believed the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 would be a more realistic goal, Emma’s parents always believed in her potential.

Now, with Paris 2024 just weeks away, Emma is thrilled.

Representing Australia at the Olympics is especially meaningful for Emma, whose family migrated from Greece eight years ago. Born in Greece, she lived there until she was nine. Her mother’s Australian citizenship enabled them to move during Greece’s financial crisis. They settled in Sydney, prioritising Emma’s Rhythmic Gymnastics training.

Emma began the sport at age five and won a bronze medal at Greece’s national championships before migrating.

Teenage gymnast Emmanouela Frroku earns place for the Paris Olympics

“I never thought I’d reach this point. Representing Australia in Paris is unbelievable,” she said.

Starting as an Individual gymnast, Emma transitioned to Group gymnastics, thriving with her teammates. The bond she shares with Lidiia, Saskia, Phoebe, and Jessica will be crucial when they compete at the La Chapelle Arena on August 9.

“You’re not alone on the floor,” Emma said. “You have four other girls to support, encourage, and help you.”

A high school student in Brisbane, Emma turns 17 later this month and is the newest member of the team training at Aspire Gymnastics Academy.

She joined last December, and the journey has been fast-paced since. In April, the group won gold at the Sofia Cup in Bulgaria, securing their place at the Oceania Continental Championships in May, where they qualified for Paris.

“Our main goal was to qualify for the Continentals, so winning was a pleasant surprise,” Emma said.

Emma credits their psychologist for helping the team stay focused and confident.

“We have weekly sessions, which help a lot,” she added.