Youngster on her way to big time

Young gymnast Christina Woodcock has the opportunity to attend a training camp and competition in Russia. Photo / Chris Gorman

Christina Woodcock is determined to be a superstar.

She's only 9, but her grandmother, Colleen Woodcock, says the budding rhythmic gymnast has enough drive and determination to make it to the world stage.

Her talent has been spotted by her coaches and fellow gymnasts at Xtreme Gymnastics in East Tamaki and she is one of four heading to a rhythmic gymnastics training camp and competition in Russia in May.

Ms Woodcock said Christina was excited about the opportunity but the family needs to raise the funds to get her there so they've set up a fundraising page on Givealittle.co.nz. The flight leaves on May 24.

Rhythmic gymnastics was a disciplined sport and a combination of ballet, dance and apparatus, she said.

Christina started in the sport when she was 3 and now trained for about 12 hours a week, including ballet lessons. She also has piano lessons, plays netball and is involved in acrobatics.

On arrival in Russia she will attend a competition in Vladivostok before heading off to a week-long training camp.

The Michael Park School pupil moved up to Level 4 rhythmic gymnastics this year which allowed her to compete nationally.