Mackay Teen To Represent Australia On International Stage

Thirteen-year-old Mackay baton twirler Bonnie Brodie has earned selection to represent Australia at the Nations Cup in Liverpool, England, in August 2027. Photos supplied

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A passion sparked by watching her mum and auntie has taken Mackay teenager Bonnie Brodie one step closer to an international sporting dream, with the 13-year-old earning a place on the Australian baton twirling team.

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The Year 8 Mackay North State High School student was selected in the Youth B 2 Baton division after competing at the Australian Baton Twirling Championships in Melbourne during the school holidays, where she also trialled for the national team.

“I felt very happy and I was excited to be there because it was my first time going to Melbourne,” she said.

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Bonnie will now prepare to represent Australia at the Nations Cup in Liverpool, England, in August 2027, marking her first opportunity to travel overseas.

The passionate teen trains almost every day while balancing school and other activities such as running and acro, but says the selection has been greatly rewarding, with her hard work finally paying off after countless hours she has poured into the sport.

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“I train almost every day and I just practice my routines and do the skills that are hard for me, so I can get them better,” she said.

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Having grown up around the sport, with a baton at her first birthday, Bonnie was inspired to give baton twirling a go after watching her mum, Angela Coleman, and auntie participate. Angela, who has been involved in the sport for over three decades, now coaches her daughter through Starlet Royales Baton Twirlers.

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“She was always twirling and dancing from a young age…and I thought she might take it up,” said mother and Coach Angela.

“We always let her know that there was no pressure for her to actually do that – but she chose to do it on her own, and now she loves it.”

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Angela said she was incredibly proud of Bonnie, regardless of the outcome of the team trials.

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“I was so proud of her because she went out on the floor and she did everything I could have asked of her and beyond… it was just really special and I couldn’t be prouder,” she said.

“This is just the cherry on top to be accepted, and to get to do this and walk alongside her.”

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While Bonnie is excited about visiting another country and seeing competitors from around the globe, she said her favourite part of baton twirling was “making new memories and getting to do the sport that I love with my friends”.

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Her advice to anyone thinking about trying the sport is to persevere, even when it seems challenging in the beginning.

“If you don't get it at the start, you just have to keep trying and you will get it. Just remember that you need to keep trying and practising.”

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The family is now exploring fundraising opportunities to help Bonnie make the trip to Liverpool. Updates on her training journey and future fundraising efforts will be shared through the Starlet Royales Facebook page and Bonnie Twirls on Instagram for anyone interested in her upcoming journey.  

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Congratulations Bonnie!

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