To provide a safe, nurturing, fun and inspiring environment where gymnasts are challenged and encouraged by committed and friendly coaches.  Catering to all ages and abilities, the AAG aims to support and drive gymnasts towards their goals, whilst fostering the love of gymnastics that the club was built upon.

The Australian Academy of Gymnastics is a family-run business located in Belmore, in Sydney’s south western suburbs. The club was formed in 1982 by Andre and Edwige Rizzo who had migrated from France in 1970 and had been coaching at various venues across Sydney since their arrival.

An old theatre from the 1920’s, The Paragon 2, was discovered by the couple and with a lot of work, became the foundation of realising their dream of running their very own club.

Once established, the AAG became the envy of clubs across NSW by becoming the first permanent gymnasium that was fully equipped with both men’s and women’s apparatus and utilised exclusively as a venue for artistic gymnastics.

Andre and Edwige ran the AAG whilst raising their three sons, Blaise, Antoine and Philippe, all of whom trained and coached at the club as they progressed in their gymnastics careers. All three of the Rizzo boys were accomplished gymnasts in their own right, with both Blaise and Philippe becoming champions and pioneers for Mens Artistic Gymnastics in Australia. The youngest son, Philippe, continues to represent Australia in international events like the Commonwealth and Olympic Games, and was the first Australian ever to win a gold medal at the World Championships.

The Australian Academy today is run by Edwige and Antoine, along with a committed and enthusiastic staff of administration workers, levels coaches and trainee coaches. The AAG is also supported generously by gymnasts, past and present, parents and other volunteers who give of their time and energy freely for fundraising and club events.

PHILLIPE RIZZO became the first Australian to win a medal at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships when he won silver on the horizontal bar in Ghent in 2001. He is also the first Australian to win a gold medal at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships when he won the horizontal bar in Aarhus in 2006. He is also a multiple Commonwealth Games gold medalist and has represented Australia at both the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Olympics.

Phillipe Rizzo in competition

ANTOINE RIZZO represented NSW and Australia in competition and has coached at the Australian Academy of Gymnastics for 20 years. He is also the NSW Men's Artistic Coach and NSW State Development Squad Director.

BLAISE RIZZO was Australian Gymnastics Champion in 1986 and 1988 and represented Australia in international competition.

ANDRE RIZZO represented France at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, Italy.

Andre Rizzo with sons Phillipe and Antoine