Daria Joura’s salute commands you to watch her.  She flashes a brilliant smile, tilts her head up confidently and raises her arms with enthusiasm.  Her salute isn’t the only thing that will catch your eye.  Her unique gymnastics has brought her international success in just her first year as senior competitor.

Daria “Dasha” Joura was born May 2, 1990 in Russia.  She began gymnastics when she was four years old after spending so much time in the gym with her parents, both gymnastics coaches.  Her first club was the Olympic Academy in Russia.  After moving to Perth, Western Australia, Daria took up gymnastics at the Northern Districts, where she is coached by Martine George and Nikolai Lapchine.

Daria joined the Junior National Squad in 2005 but was injured for most of the year.  She established herself as a forerunner for the 2008 Olympic team at the 2006 Australian National Championships, winning the all-around and three apparatus titles (vault, beam, floor).  She made the 2006 World Championship team, and with all but one veteran injured, Daria and her teammate Hollie Dykes, also a first year senior, led the Australians to a sixth place finish.

She competed like a pro in the all-around, but finished 5th all-around—a result too low for the quality of gymnastics she performed.  There has been some speculation that judge Nelli Kim unfairly deducted Daria, claiming her style of salute is unacceptable in world and Olympic competition.  She also qualified for an event final on the uneven bars and placed sixth. 

Daria has received scholarships to attend both the Western Australia Institute of Sport and Australian Institute of Sport.  In her free time, she enjoys reading, shopping, hanging out with friends and dancing.  As the 2008 Olympics approach, Daria’s salute will continue to command your attention.

Bio by: Splitleap