How this local gymnast turned her Olympic journey into a children’s book series
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At the young age of 27, Georgia Godwin has lived many lives. And if her name sounds familiar, it should.
An Australian Olympic gymnast currently based in Canberra, she’s travelled the world and has taken home many titles including 2020 World Cup silver medallist, 2019 Senior National Champion, 2018 Commonwealth Games silver and bronze medallist. Add in making her Olympic debut at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics (where her results saw her rank 37th overall in the Women’s All-Round event), and she has accomplished more than most people dream of in a lifetime.
But it’s her latest life as an author that might be her most meaningful yet.
Drawing from her own experiences of triumph and adversity, Georgia has channelled her Olympic journey into a children’s book series co-authored with Scholastic Australia called The Gymnast Diaries, aimed at inspiring young readers to pursue their dreams.
And with the third book due out in July 2025, the message has never been more powerful as Georgia prepares to step back into the gym after sustaining an injury that saw her unable to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“I’ve faced my fair share of challenges and learned many lessons during my 24 years in the sport, and if even one child can relate to or learn from my experiences, then my purpose behind writing a children’s book has been achieved,” she says.
Loosely based on her career and experiences in gymnastics (a sport she has been passionate about since the age of three), Georgia says The Gymnast Diaries series dives into the “excitement and challenges” of a range of topics – from the challenges of change to trusting the process (and yourself).
“The first book explores how big change can be scary, but sometimes, you have to go through it to pursue your dreams – and that’s okay. The right people will still love and support you,” she explains.
“The second book is about communication and how important it is, especially when it comes to gymnastics and mental blocks – what Simone Biles called the ‘twisties’ at the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games. And the third book focuses on injuries and how no matter how big or small the hurt, you should follow professional advice, rest when needed, and trust the process, even if it’s not what you want to do.”
And as for plans for a fourth book?
“The fourth book is a secret! Book number three is being released on June 1st, and book number four will be coming out toward the end of this year, both of which I’m really excited about!”
Aiming to hit the ground running for the next gymnastics meet in mid-2025, Georgia plans to continue to balance writing and competing with the grace of…well, a gymnast. And as someone who started and has stayed in the sport simply because she loves it, she hopes to continue to inspire young, aspiring gymnast’s both on and off the page.
“Becoming an author and seeing how quickly these books are selling has shown me how much impact I have on the next generation. It’s a little scary, but I’m welcoming it with open arms,” she says.
“I’ve reflected on my behaviours both in and out of the gym – keeping what I believe makes me a good role model and tweaking the things I maybe didn’t like.”
“I really hope to continue working with Scholastic Australia and bringing the gymnastics and women in sport communities more books to inspire the next generation. Whether that’s simply through just reading the books or actually taking in and practicing the lessons from my books. I would love to do more school readings, club visits, and connect with more of the gymnastics community.”
You can find The Gymnast Diaries at the Scholastic Bookstore.
Feature image supplied.
