The Australian Academy of Gymnastics is a family-run business located in Belmore, in Sydney’s south western suburbs The club was formed in 1982 by Andre and Edwige Rizzo who had migrated from France in 1970 and had been coaching at various venues across Sydney since their arrival. An old theatre from the 1920’s, The Paragon 2, was discovered by the couple and with a lot of work, became the foundat
ion of realising their dream of running their very own club. Once established, the AAG became the envy of clubs across NSW by becoming the first permanent gymnasium that was fully equipped with both men’s and women’s apparatus and utilised exclusively as a venue for artistic gymnastics. Andre and Edwige ran the AAG whilst raising their three sons, Blaise, Antoine and Philippe, all of whom trained and coached at the club as they progressed in their gymnastics careers. All three of the Rizzo boys were accomplished gymnasts in their own right, with both Blaise and Philippe becoming champions and pioneers for Mens Artistic Gymnastics in Australia. The youngest son, Philippe, continues to represent Australia in international events like the Commonwealth and Olympic Games, and was the first Australian ever to win a gold medal at the World Championships. The Australian Academy in 2009 is run by Edwige and Antoine, along with a committed and enthusiastic staff of administration workers, levels coaches and trainee coaches. The AAG is also supported generously by gymnasts, past and present, parents and other volunteers who give of their time and energy freely for fundraising and club events.
