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As the 2025 World Games kick off this week in Chengdu, China, two local athletes are set to represent Australia on the international stage in spectacular fashion. Tumbling gymnasts Ethan McGuinness, of Glenmore Park, and Breanah Cauchi, of Londonderry, will take to the floor among the world’s best, proudly flying the flag not just for their country, but for the Hawkesbury region.
Both athletes train at Kachan School of Tumbling and Performance (KSTP), a small but mighty club based in a humble church hall in Windsor. Despite the modest setting, KSTP has proven to be a powerhouse of talent in the world of trampoline gymnastics, with McGuinness and Cauchi leading the charge.
For 24-year-old Ethan McGuinness, this marks his second appearance at The World Games, having finished sixth in 2022. Since then, he’s risen to become the reigning Senior World Champion, and even broke the world difficulty record in 2022. A rugby league player turned gymnast, McGuinness initially joined KSTP at age 8 to learn a backflip for a try celebration – a decision that would shape the course of his life.
“It feels amazing to represent Australia, especially considering we train in a small local church hall in Windsor that doesn’t even have space for a full competition set-up,” said McGuinness. “I want to win and put Tumbling Australia on the map.”
His journey has been far from smooth. In 2017, a devastating leg injury threatened to end his career. “I was told I’d never tumble at a high level again. That just motivated me more – now I’m 10 times better than before.”
McGuinness credits the support of his local community, including Xavier College, for helping him balance school and elite sport. “They were really supportive, allowing late starts and helping spread the word about my achievements.”
Joining him in China is 20-year-old Breanah Cauchi, a proud Londonderry local and one of KSTP’s original students. Having started gymnastics at just three years old, Cauchi has gone on to claim multiple national titles and won bronze at the 2022 World Games in her senior debut.
Cauchi will compete on August 9, followed by McGuinness on August 10, and both athletes are considered strong medal contenders.
Gymnastics NSW is sending a total of seven athletes to The World Games, and the Hawkesbury is well represented through the passion and performance of these two tumblers. Their success is a testament not only to their own dedication but to the incredible impact of local clubs like KSTP.
As these athletes prepare to take the world stage, the Hawkesbury community will be cheering them on, inspired by their journeys and hopeful for podium finishes.
