Channel 7
She may be small, but this pint-sized power tumbler is a force to be reckoned with.
Despite her early introduction to the sport, it takes a lot of hard work and dedication for NSW-based Alexsa Kachan to achieve her goals.
Her father ‘doesn’t go easy on her’, and her training schedule reflects it. Alexsa, aged seven, clocks up just under 18 hours a week on the mat!
The result? Fast-paced flips that strike fear into the hearts of parents everywhere.
‘How can she possibly do that?’ they think. ‘Surely there’s a bruise somewhere?’
Alexsa was destined for a life of tumbling. Born into a family of dancers and circus performers – dad Dima was an acrobat with the Moscow Circus – Alexsa was introduced to a bungee harness at three weeks old, and it was love at first sight!
‘Her Jolly Jumper was set up in the gym or on trampolines,’ mum Rebecca explains. ‘Alexsa was doing whatever class she could, from as soon as she could walk.’
Her first backflip – with a little assistance from Dad – took place when she was three.
These days, Alexsa can do at least eight flips or whips (no hands!) in a row, thanks to time in the family owned gym.
All’s well and good in the Kachan household, though. Alexsa loves working hard – even begging her parents for a chance at early morning practise sessions!
After all, training and practise feels like home to Alexsa – she grew up at the gym, and the other kids are like extended family.
We may not understand how she pulls off her flips and whips, but one thing’s for sure – if we could bottle that kind of work ethic, we’d be billionaires!
‘Hopefully she keeps up that ethic across the board,’ Rebecca says. ‘I think she will. It’s all she’s ever known.’
Little Big Shots airs Sunday, 7pm, Channel Seven.
For more on Little Big Shots, see this week’s New Idea – Out now.
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