“Going to Japan to compete in the World Championship for the first time is something that makes us really happy, but it’s also something that makes us nervous,” Sophia said.

Eight athletes from Crestmead Super Sonics will represent the Australian Ropearoos on the world stage. Credit: Crestmead Super Sonics/Cherie Duffy

Grace and Sophia, who are of Hmong background, got their start in the niche sport when they joined their local club, Crestmead Super Sonics, in 2023.

“We’ve already competed at the state level and will soon compete internationally.”

What is jump rope?

Athletes at the world championships compete in categories such as freestyle, single and Double Dutch speed skipping, and team events.

A jump rope athlete performs in the freestyle event. Credit: Skipping Australia/Claire George

Claire George is Australia’s head of delegation for the world championships, representing Skipping Australia, the national jump rope body.

“One of the great things about jump rope competitions is that you can easily set up the equipment and the sport can be enjoyed by people of all fitness levels. People from young children to older adults can participate in these competitions,” she said.

Australia’s national jump rope team are known as the Ropearoos. Credit: Skipping Australia

Cherie Duffy is the president and coach of Crestmead Super Sonics, the club where Grace and Sophia practice three days a week.

“You are all very capable. Don’t lose hope. In the end, you will be able to compete.”

Olympic dreams

Australia is considered one of the leading countries in international jump rope competitions, with the first World Skipping Championship held in Sydney back in 1977.

Members of the Crestmead Super Sonics jump rope club. Credit: Crestmead Super Sonics/Cherie Duffy

George, however, is wary of the threat posed by other nations.

Listen to the full interview with Cherie Duffy, president of the Crestmead Super Sonics, in English:

Community encouragement

According to their mum, Maisy Thao, the twins don’t often see other competitors from multicultural backgrounds, especially Hmong.

Jump rope training. Credit: Crestmead Super Sonics/Cherie Duffy

Grace said: “I want to get more people (from the community) involved. Even if they don’t train at the same school as us, we can still teach them when we have the chance, or perhaps we can form our own club.”

“If your children are interested (in an activity) and have the ability, as parents, we should support and encourage them to reach their full potential. This will require time, money and effort to support and encourage them,” she said.

Jump rope tournaments are highly competitive. Credit: Skipping Australia/Claire George

Listen to the full interview with Claire George, the head of the Australian delegation for 2025 World Jump Rope Championships, in English: