Taking on the World Taking on the World
Russo at the
Colosseum in
Rome
MONETTE RUSSO made his- tory when she won the all- around bronze at the 2005
world championships in her hometown of Melbourne. It was the first
world all-around medal for
Australia. Russo, who retired from
gymnastics at 18, continues to go
global.
After completing a university
course in public relations, Russo
traveled independently for a year,
exploring America, South America,
Europe, North Africa and Southeast
Asia. She is currently doing a public
relations internship for 0nder-
ground Cinema, an events company
in Melbourne. Russo also coaches
gymnastics “now and then,” and
aims to commentate for gymnastics
at the Olympics one day.
“I am very grateful for everything
I got from my gymnastics career,
and I’m happy that I get to use all
the lessons learned to work on new
and different goals in my post-gym-
nastics life,” Russo, 23, says. “I
was lucky enough to achieve all the
things I did at such a young age,
and do not regret any decisions I
made throughout my career.”
Nor should she. Russo was the
youngest member of the Australian
squad that won its first-ever worlds
team medal (bronze) at the 2003
worlds in Anaheim, where she was
also its top all-arounder; she was
also the youngest member of
Australia’s 2004 Olympic team. Of
all Russo’s fond memories, though,
her all-around bronze in 2005 ranks
highest. “Winning an individual
world championships medal had
never really been a goal of mine,”
she says. “So to be able to stand
on that podium, in my home town,
with everyone screaming out my
name, was one of the most amaz-
ing experiences of my life, and a
moment that I will never forget.”
Although Russo retired young,
her achievements give her wisdom
beyond her years. “Love what you
do,” she says. “It’s the passion
within a person that makes him or
her achieve their dreams. There are
always going to be tough times.
Sometimes you’re going to fail, but
it’s important to be strong and pick
yourself up and try again.
Sometimes you have to try a mil-
lion times before you get it right.
But when you do, it is the most
rewarding feeling. And, most
importantly, enjoy every minute!”
—John Crumlish
“I am very grateful for
everything I got from my
gymnastics career, and
I’m happy that I get to
use all the lessons
learned to work on new
and different goals….”
