Genesis Instructor Wins Gold
Newcastle’s Emma O’Keeffe is on top of the world after producing a stellar performance in elite international company.
The head coach, and manager, at Genesis Health & Fitness Cooks Hill returned from the recent 2022 FISAF International World Sports Aerobics and Fitness Championships, in the Czech Republic, with a couple of medals hanging around her neck.
She picked up gold in the masters’ women’s division and led the Australian team, Las Bailaoras Toreas (The Dancing Bullfighters), to silver in the adult performance aerobic category.
O’Keeffe also joined forces with her best friend Jill Hugo to place ninth in the pairs.
“I’m just grateful for the opportunity to travel overseas and compete again,” she said.
“But, it was a really successful competition – we were happy with the outcome.”
O’Keeffe, mentored by Vivienne Lattimore, a Novocastrian who boasts more than three decades of experience herself, secured her singles’ victory from France’s Coralie Jimenez and Czech Republic’s Lucie Reznickova.
“It was very close,” she told the Newcastle Weekly.
“However, it felt incredible [to win], especially after enduring the COVID years.
“The last time I competed was the 2019 [world] championships.
“So, it was really nice to be finally back among that competitive atmosphere.”
The effort of The Dancing Bullfighters, representing Vivienne Lattimore Sport Aerobics, also pleased the hometown instructor.
There, the squad consisting of Nicole Coull, Chelsea Crouch, Ella Douglas, Phoebe Tanks and O’Keeffe, finished runner-up to the Czech Republic’s Soldiers.
“We were clearly second in that division,” she said.
“The home outfit was too good on this occasion.
“But, all the Las Bailaoras Toreas girls are from Newcastle.
“So, it was a great result for the local contingent.
“To see them work hard, and get the reward, I couldn’t be happier.”
O’Keeffe, who trains five times a week, admitted discipline was the key to success.
“The days when you’re tired, and struggling to find energy, you create this habit throughout the year that you need to get the job done,” she said.
“That’s regardless of how you feel.
“I think having that consistency was a really, really big help.
“You form the foundation of training pretty early in the year.
“So, it just makes it a bit easier the closer you get to competing.
“That’s when the training ramps up, too.”
For now, O’Keeffe is winding back her individual commitments following an impressive 20-year career.
However, she won’t be lost to the sport.
“I’m retiring from singles,” she said.
“But, I’ll still continue sharing the stage with others.
“I am content to hang my shoes up while I’m on top.
“A gold medal, and a world title, is a nice way to finish.
“And, I’m happy with that.
Author: Rod Thompson
Find in the Newcastle Weekly, titled "Newy aerobics star Emma O’Keeffe on top of the world"
Category List
reformer pilates (4)
recipe (2)
challenge (4)
Exercises (2)
Yoga (3)
health (106)
fitness goals (3)
genesis team (3)
Workout (2)
sleep (1)
genesis community (5)
Programs & Products (1)
self care (2)
strength (1)
gym owners (2)
Strength and Tone (54)
Beginner (3)
food (8)
Your New Beginning (11)
Gym (5)
competition (2)
Find Your 30 (30)
wellbeing (2)
lifestyle (11)
reformer (2)
Rehabilitation (1)
nutrition (49)
Community (12)
news (2)
business (2)
transformation (1)
wellness (85)
weight loss transformation (1)
Fitness (129)
Fitness Solutions (19)
Group (2)
group training (1)
productivity (1)
training (4)
franchise (3)
Health Advice (2)
Press Release (14)
Plank (1)
Weight Loss (41)
