Saskia goes from strength to strength
Already a history-making Olympian, Saskia Broedelet is making a difference in life after Paris.
Originally written for Gymnastics Australia as part of the ‘Life After Paris’ series - with members of Australia’s record-breaking Olympic team.
At just twenty-years-of-age, rhythmic gymnast Saskia Broedelet has already created history as a member of Australia’s Group All-Around team in Paris.
For the multi-talented Queenslander, however, the eleventh-place finish - Australia’s best-ever in the event - at the Porte de la Chapelle arena was only the beginning, as Saskia has continued to thrive off the floor since returning from the Games.
“My first Olympic experience was both incredibly rewarding and extremely challenging, testing me physically and mentally in ways I never imagined.
“While my drive to achieve and grow remains strong, I’m currently focusing on recovery, and exploring new ways to channel my passion and skills in the sport.
“This time of reflection is allowing me to appreciate the journey and look forward to new opportunities ahead.”
Opportunities that have included bringing a passion project to life in the form of Master RG, taking part in the Australian Olympic Committee’s Olympics Unleashed program, and returning to work and study in the law, Saskia is bringing a boundless dedication to life after Paris.
The launch of Master RG, in partnership with Olympic teammate Lidiia Iakovleva, has been deeply rewarding for Saskia over the past three months.
An online platform designed to ensure that coaches and athletes have a range of resources at their disposal, it has been Saskia’s way of sharing her bountiful experience.
“Setting it up has been such an exciting journey. We have spent a lot of time brainstorming and having invaluable conversations with mentors and other gymnasts to understand how we can make a difference.
“It was born out of our shared vision to address some of the key challenges we have identified after more than fifteen years in the sport.
“Lidiia and I both have a deep love for rhythmic gymnastics and are committed to leaving a lasting, positive impact for the community.”
In practice, the platform – which exists on Instagram as a free hub for tips, advice, and sharing personal experiences – is designed to promote a holistic approach to the sport. By addressing themes such as mindset, nutrition, effective training methods and recovery, Master RG aims to help everyone reach their potential.
As their following continues to grow, the pair are proud of what they have built and excited to keep offering more to the community.
“It is incredibly special to have set up something like this alongside my Olympic teammate.
“Having already worked so well together as part of a team, the transition to working together in business has felt natural.”
Looking ahead, Master RG is developing a schedule of online masterclasses to align with the 2025 Australian competition schedule, while also maintaining a consistent stream of free resources to benefit the community.
“Ultimately, it is a privilege to work with someone who shares the same passion and vision. We are excited to keep giving back to the sport that has given us so much.”
As it relates to giving back, Saskia has also been involved in the Olympics Unleashed program, travelling to schools around the country to help inspire and motivate students to achieve their best.
Central to Saskia’s message has been an idea that she embraced throughout her Olympic experience; that failure is not the end, instead it is a chance to learn and grow. By impressing the importance of that message, along with values such as resilience, adaptability and the willingness to make mistakes, she has thoroughly enjoyed the chance to present to the next generation.
“It has been an incredibly eye-opening experience. It has given me a platform to share my journey, connect with young people and hopefully inspire them to pursue their dreams.”
Diligently pursuing her own dreams, too, Saskia has returned to her studies – set to tackle her fourth year of a Bachelor of Law (Honours) – as well as working three days a week as a paralegal at K&L Gates.
A fulfilling shift in focus, she deferred the second half of last year to focus on the Olympics but is enjoying keeping herself engaged outside of the gym.
“It is so important not to put all your eggs in one basket, it has been helpful to have different outlets to direct my energy and attention.
“I am really enjoying the intellectual challenges of the role, and I am passionate about pursuing a career in commercial law once I graduate.”
Although Saskia’s is a full plate at the moment, she is enjoying the change of pace and increased variety in her schedule post-Paris. To that end, she has also come to appreciate some of the lessons learnt in the last twelve months.
“I have gained a deep appreciation for the potential of Australian rhythmic gymnastics.
“Our sport is growing stronger, and now having taken the time to reflect, I truly understand now what it means to face challenges, moments of uncertainty and to come out the other side.”
Well-rounded, passionate and unfailingly dedicated, Saskia is set to go from strength-to-strength, taking the sport of rhythmic gymnastics and the broader community along with her.