Johnston has represented Australia at the 2008 Olympic Games in Athens and has won multiple gold, silver and bronze medals at a Commonwealth level in a decorated rhythmic gymnastics career.

Now working for Gymnastics NSW organising rhythmic competitions, the 23-year-old says she expects to see plenty of future stars at the four-day country championships, beginning at Sir Neville Howse Stadium today.

“It’s pretty exciting,” Johnston said.

“We’ve got [competitors], right from the little kids, level ones, right through to level 10, and then we’ve also got categories competition which is routines where the girls do pairs and trios. It’s got every side of rhythmic you can compete in which is exciting.

“This is also a qualification for the level one to six gymnasts to go to the NSW State Championships, and a lot of those girls do really well at the state championships, so it’s great to see events like this.”

Johnston has excelled in ball, ribbon, rope and all-round rhythmic gymnastic events on the world stage.

But it’s the teams events, which include pairs and trios, which she was looking forward to most.

“I always enjoy watching the group competitions, so that’ll be good,” Johnston said.

“It’s great. The country champs haven’t been in Orange yet so it’s exciting that everyone can come down here and be involved in the competition.”

Four container loads of gymnastic equipment arrived at the Anzac Park facility yesterday afternoon, with Gymnastics NSW staff as well as Central West Gymnastic members still setting up apparatus as late as 9pm last night.

Competition begins from 9.30am this morning.

“There’s been quite a bit of buzz around the country clubs. Everyone is quite excited. I think it’ll be a good event, definitely,” Gymnastics NSW marketing manager Nick Carroll

“The facility itself is awesome. It’s ticked all the boxes we needed it to. It’s one of the better venues, even considering the metropolitan venues that we go to all the time.

“It’s hard to find a good venue for these types of events.”