Emma Nedov

Biography

Meet Emma Nedov, affectionately known as Australia’s Beam Queen. Emma's journey in artistic gymnastics has been nothing short of a roller coaster. She first hung up her leotard after an Achilles injury in 2017, only to feel the familiar tug of the sport pulling her back. When she missed the cut for the Tokyo Olympics, she thought it was the end of the road once more. But true to her resilient spirit, Emma returned to the mat, driven by an unshakable sense of unfinished business.

Starting gymnastics at just five years old at the Epping YMCA in Sydney's northwest, Emma quickly climbed the ranks. By 13, she was part of the Australian national team, showcasing her prowess on the international stage. A World Cup gold medallist on balance beam and a multiple-time national champion, she’s a force to be reckoned with.

After her initial retirement in 2017, Emma discovered life beyond gymnastics, taking up a new role as a sports nutritionist and health coach, and co-founding the sporting accessories company Artium Sport. But the allure of gymnastics never truly faded. Living near her old training gym and inspired by the national team’s phenomenal performance at world championships, she decided to mount yet another comeback.

Emma re-entered the competitive scene at the Australian Classic in 2018, striking gold on her beloved balance beam. By 2019, she clinched a World Cup gold in Baku, Azerbaijan. COVID disruptions led to another brief hiatus, but Emma's spirit remained undeterred. She returned to training in late 2023 and made a compelling appearance at the national championships on the Gold Coast in May 2024, securing a fourth-place finish in the all-around and contributing to a Team All-Around gold for Victoria.

Now back on the national team, Emma is living proof that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing your passion. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and an undying love for gymnastics.