Angela Walker

Angela Gaye Walker (married name Subramaniam; born 19 March 1967) is a New Zealand writer and former rhythmic gymnast. She competed at the 1988 Summer Olympics and won a gold medal and three bronze medals at the 1990 Commonwealth Games.

Early life and family Walker was born in Auckland on 19 March 1967.

Rhythmic gymnastics Walker began rhythmic gymnastics at age 9 after a friend who was in the sport told her about it. She qualified internationally for the 1984 Summer Olympics, but due to New Zealand Olympic Committee policies, she was not sent.

Ahead of the 1988 Summer Olympics, she went to train in Moscow with some of the best gymnasts in the world. Walker noted the intensity of training and the skill of the gymnasts she trained with, but she also said that many of those gymnasts did not enjoy rhythmic gymnastics, as she did. The experience helped her realize that she while she was unlikely to medal at the Olympics, she was content with being healthy and training by choice.

Although she originally intended to retire after the Olympics, the 1990 Commonwealth Games were being held in her hometown of Auckland, so Walker decided to continue training for another 15 months. At the Games, she won a gold and three bronze medals. Walker said later that she appreciated the approach of her coaches, as she finished her gymnastics career healthy and still enjoying gymnastics. She continues to be involved in high-performance sport.

Published works