Kerryn Bessell (née Bailey)
30 January 1964
Kerryn is a Broken Hill local whose family have a long sporting history in Broken Hill. Kerryn’s father and brothers were all very accomplished local footballers and enjoyed great success as players for both the Central Football Club and the North Football Club. With an inherited appetite for competition, Kerryn’s sport of choice was gymnastics.
Kerryn worked her way through the South Australian ranks, culminating in the Australian National Open Championships in 1978, where she competed in the South Australian State Open team. From here, Kerryn was chosen as the reserve/alternate for the Australian team competing at the World Gymnastics Championships in Strasburg, France. In 1979, Kerryn reached the peak of her sporting career, representing Australia in the World Gymnastics Championships in Fort Worth, Texas. Following this, at age 15, Kerryn retired from competitive gymnastics but that would not be the end of her involvement in the sport. Kerryn’s experience in competing and training at an international level enabled her to develop a profound knowledge of the sport that she would impart on the Broken Hill Gymnastics Club as coach for several years. Kerryn left a positive impression on the kids, inspiring them to look beyond the geographical barriers that Broken Hill is perceived to impose.
Today, Kerryn is the Practice Manager of Broken Hill’s Williams Street Surgery. She is married with two adult children who both live and work in Adelaide and she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, travelling (when permitted), reading and cooking.
AWARDS & MILESTONES
- Awarded the Athletic Award of Distinction by Gymnastics Australia. This award is given to athletes who attend the Olympic Games, Senior World Championships and/or Commonwealth Games.
- Awarded Life Membership for the Broken Hill Gymnastics Club.
SPORTING HISTORY
1979
Retired from competitive gymnastics (age 15).
Competed in the World Gymnastics Championships in Fort Worth, Texas.
Member of the South Australian State Open team competing at the Australian National Open Championships.
1978
Member of South Australian State Open team competing at the Australian National Open Championships.
Travelled to Strasbourg, France as a reserve for the Australian team competing at the World Gymnastics Championships.
1977
Member of South Australian State Silver Open team competing at the Australian National Open (Silver) Championships.
1976
Member of South Australian State Under 14s team competing at the Australian National Under 14s Championships.
