PRESS RELEASE: From Gymnastics to the Sky: Meet the Aussie Teen Taking Flight at the 2025 Indoor Skydiving Championships
After injury ended her gymnastics dreams, 16-year-old Annabella-Angel Bailey found freedom in the wind tunnel, and a new dream to chase.
JULY 2025: When injury cut short her gymnastics journey, 16-year-old Annabella-Angel Bailey was devastated. Gymnastics had been her world, until it wasn’t. Searching for a new passion during recovery, she stumbled across a YouTube video of world-class indoor skydivers Amy Watson and Sarah Yates. From that moment, she was hooked.
Her first flight, shared with her mum, nan and aunty, sealed the deal. Nervous but exhilarated, Annabella knew straight away: this was her sport.
Since then, the Gold Coast teen has committed herself completely to bodyflight, fundraising through bake sales, bottle collections and community support to continue training. For Annabella, every second in the tunnel is precious, a symbol of her resilience and a reflection of her family’s belief in her.
“Flying is everything to me,” she says. “It’s where I feel free and strong. I’ve had to work hard to stay in the tunnel, and I’m so grateful for every minute I get.”
Annabella is now preparing to compete at the 2025 Australian Indoor Skydiving Championships this August, joining more than 150 athletes from around the country at iFLY Downunder in Sydney. For her, it’s not just a competition, it’s a chance to fly alongside some of the sport’s best and continue chasing her ultimate goal: to represent Australia on the world stage, and maybe even at the Olympics.
Matt Boag, Sports Development Manager at iFLY, says Annabella is one of many young athletes helping redefine what the sport can be.
“Annabella is a great example of the dedication and athleticism we’re seeing from the next generation,” said Boag. “This is more than just a fun activity. It’s a serious sport with serious talent. We’re proud to have athletes like her representing the future of indoor skydiving.”
With her sights set on the World Championships and a career at iFLY, Annabella isn’t slowing down. She’s already bringing others along for the ride, introducing her friends, her uncle and even her three-year-old cousin to the tunnel.
One flight at a time, Annabella is proving that sometimes, new dreams take flight when you least expect them.
The 2025 Australian Indoor Skydiving Championships will run from 8–10 August at iFLY Downunder in Penrith. Entry is free to the public and the event will be livestreamed to a global audience of more than 500,000 viewers.
To arrange an interview with Annabella or for more information, contact:
Amanda Kuhn, Missy Mischief Creative | [email protected] | 0410 570 993
