Newcastle Personal Trainer Emma O’Keeffe is officially the world’s best, taking home gold at the recent World Sports Aerobics and Fitness Championships held in the Czech Republic this month.

Emma took out first place for singles in the masters’ women’s division, finished second in the team division and placed 9th in the pairs division.

To be chosen to represent Australia at the Worlds, she qualified at The Sports Aerobics Australian Championship, which was held in Brisbane in September. She was also selected to co-captain the Australian team travelling to compete at the event.

By day, Emma is the Head Coach at Genesis Health & Fitness Cooks Hill (Newcastle, NSW) and when she’s not teaching, she’s perfecting her aerobics technique with the help of coach Vivienne Lattimore, a local to Newcastle with over 30 years’ experience.

Emma said the gold medal was certainly a career highlight she will never forget. Emma, who trains five times per week and has been competing for 20 years, said:

“It felt incredible to win, especially after enduring the COVID years. The last time I competed was the 2019 championships. It was really nice to finally be back among that competitive atmosphere.”

“The training and nutrition in the lead-up to the Worlds was very intense, but it has certainly paid off!”

Emma has decided to finish on a gold medal high and retire from singles competitions. She will continue to compete in team events.

“I am content to hang my shoes up while I’m on top. A gold medal, and a world title, is a nice way to finish. But, I’ll still continue sharing the stage with others.”