AMBASSADOR - MONETTE RUSSO

The 2007 RetireInvest ParticipACTION Day Ambassador is Monette Russo, one of Australia's top female gymnasts. Monette is both powerful and graceful, and her results to date mean that the nineteen year-old has already one of Australia's most decorated gymnastics resumes.

In 2004, Monette's dream of competing a the Olympic Games became a reality. Despite a serious leg injury, Monette competed for Australia with pride, doing her country proud. Rehabilitation followed, and 2005 began where she left off. Monette won several medals at the Australia v Ukraine international dual, won her first Australian National Senior all around title, and the all around at the Australia v China international dual.

History was made later in 2005, where Monette again took on the world at the 2005 World Championships in Melbourne. Monette became Australia's first ever all around medallist at a World Championships, by winning the bronze. In addition, she became the first Australian to compete in multiple apparatus finals (bars, beam and floor). Monette also won the prestigious Longines Prize for Elegance.

In 2006 Monette was captain of the Commonwealth Games Team and led them to a Gold medal. She also achieved a bronze medal on the uneven bars.

Monette is without a doubt one of Australia's best ever gymnasts, and still sets her sights on future achievements.

Come along to ParticipACTION Day and meet Monette!