By Bond University intern Summer Leury
Kristy Willson has lived with the effects of multiple sclerosis (MS) for 18 years but when she walks on stage to perform in a calisthenics competition you wouldn’t know it.
An excited, seasoned performer from the Avonde Calisthenics College in Victoria, Kristy won her first solo gold medal in the 42-43 graceful category at the 2024 Pan Pacific Masters Games (PPMG).
Kristy has been practicing calisthenics since she was just three years old.
However, it all came to a halt when she was diagnosed with MS.
Her condition has left her with Uhthoff’s phenomenon, a temporary worsening of MS symptoms caused by an increase in body temperature.
“When I dance on stage, my body temperature rises, and I can’t feel my hands or my feet,” she said.
“At the end of my performance, my teammates have to help me off the stage.
“I then ice up my body and the sensation will start to come back.”
Muscle memory is what helps Kristy remember her routines.
Kristy’s neurologist says practicing and performing calisthenics is the best thing for her condition
“I’m encouraged to keep doing it, calisthenics keeps my body strong,” Kristy said.
