NIKKI Smith has made a triumphant trip to Sydney, returning as a state champion.

The Kannella Physical Culture Club member won the Advanced Ladies Group 2 Champion title at the Edith Parsons School of Physical Culture’s State Grand Champion Finals, held each year at Sydney Town Hall.

Smith was awarded the coveted Shirley Bullock Memorial Trophy, as the overall Grand Champion Lady of the 2023 event.

She was announced as the Grand Champion Lady, after two groups had competed on the day in Advanced Ladies, Group 1, and Group 2, with twelve competitors in each.

Kannella Physical Culture Club president Cherylene Burke expressed her delight with Nikki’s achievements.

“Nikki has been a member of Kannella for many years and has been part of our winning teams as a Senior and Lady and a strong competitor at State level, and has been so often the bridesmaid but not any longer,” she said.

“It is because of Nikki’s consistency, hard work, and dedication that she reached for the stars and did she shine.

“What a performance we witnessed that day and one that I know she will treasure for a very long time.

“It just capped off an incredible year for this well liked and admired physical culture role model.

“Nikki is not only a wife, a mother of three beautiful daughters who also graced the physie floor over the years and still at Kannella and may it be added Instructress of Urunga Physie Club, but she is a successful business woman.

“Nikki, Kannella congratulates you and thanks you for the pride you have brought to us.”

By Aiden BURGESS