Sport + Motorsport
Southland gymnast Lewis Thomson is still buzzing after his impressive first year in Senior level, and gaining second place at the New Zealand Gymnastics championships last month.
The young athlete competed his best routine ever on floor, and is now training in Christchurch.
But it’s the creation of his ‘STAG’ media cards that also gained him recognition on the national circuit.
The holographic trading cards highlight popular gymnastics athletes across New Zealand that Lewis approached personally in the build up to the nationals.
With his friend Amy, a graphic designer, and help from young Southland team mates, they made enough cards to start a whole new craze at the national event.
“The cards initiative was invaluable for the STAG (Shoot Then Aim Gymnastics) brand. It elevated our reach in the New Zealand community tremendously and will allow us to effectively grow the sport going forward.”
He said people loved the STAG Cards and they completely took over Nationals 2026.
“We offered free packs for those who did our ‘STAG Pose’ on the podium which most people did.
The cards also gave certain athletes a mini celebrity status at the event, helping grow their profiles as well.
He said the cards initiative brought the wider gymnastics community together, with many of the different codes (mens/womens gymnastics, trampolining etc) now collaborating more together.
“It was so fulfilling as most times the community somewhat keeps to their own codes.”
His overall goal is to promote the sport globally, with a focus in New Zealand, where they can have a great impact.
Lewis said for him personally, competing in the senior ranks always felt unachievable where he came from, so making it to senior level felt like a win in itself.
“This is a big win for Southland Gymnastics. I am now training in Christchurch and more motivated than ever to train hard myself, but also have a larger impact on the community through STAG.”