Jo Walsh,
When Jo’s Mum first dressed her in a leotard at four years of age, little did she know that “Physie” would become part of her life for the next 40 years. From the age of seven Jo competed at Zone level and was a finalist or place getter in her age division up until 17 when she received 1st Place and the title of National Champion in the 2nd Yr Senior section. Jo performed competitively through all the Senior age groups until she started her family (Ryan, Erin & Kieran) and took a few years break.

Jo resumed physie in 1992 at Menai-Illawong where she competed as a lady, once again making National Finals and taking several places in the years to follow. More recently in October 2008 Jo was crowned “Ladies National Champion” in the Over 43’s section. She has been involved with Menai-Illawong Physie for 20 years and it was during this period – 1997, that she was invited to teach the Ladies class of approximately 20 members. Today, 13 years later, the class now boasts 50 ladies members! Jo’s ladies have achieved some wonderful results both individually and in Team contests which has helped place Menai-Illawong in the “Championship” section for team competitions – the highest honour in physie events.

Over the years she has gained a wealth of knowledge and “tips” to be able to pass on to her ladies which has helped make them very competitive. However, her philosophy for physie is not only to be competitive and get fit but to have fun and enjoy yourself while making many new and life long friends.

Charis Young
Charis has been involved in BJP physical culture from the age of 2. She grew up doing physie at Liverpool Club and moved to Menai Illawong at the age of 17, in 1997, when her sister Leanne Piper became the instructress. Charis is a successful competitor in the sport having continously made National Finals and consecutively placing in the Open Senior sections, as well as having competed for the ultimate price in the Grand Champion Final.
 
From the time she joined Menai Illawong she assisted Leanne in teaching the junior members of the club. In 2003 she began to teach her own classes on a Saturday morning beginning with the toddlers and then later adding the 5-6years and open stretch class. In 2007 Leanne Piper retired as the Junior teacher and Charis began to teach the entire junior club.
 
2009 was an amazing year in which Charis achieved the ultimate results for a teacher. 29 of her 32 competitors reached the Zone Final, 21 of those girls took out places and headed off to the National Championships, the other 7 went to the National Repecharge. 2 of her student's took out the National Title for their individual age groups and in the team competitions her 5&6yrs team won the National Team Championship, with her 7&8yr team and 9&10yrs team taking out 3rd place in their sections.
 
In 2010 Charis is taking on a new challenge of teaching the Senior Classes, trying once again to fill the shoes of her talented predecessor Leanne Piper who due to family committments has retired her teaching position though remains a member of our club both as a competitor and as an inspiration and support to her sister and club mates.