LEETON'S Barney Herrmann is just 11 years-old, but he's already making huge waves on the circus scene.
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The former Murrami-Whitton Public School student was successful in gaining entry into the Flying Fruit Fly Circus late last year and has just completed his first term with the organisation.
The circus not just involves a heavy training schedule, but the usual school work and classroom requirements as well.
Based in Albury, Barney has made the move with his mother Jacqui, which has made the transition a little easier.
"I was just doing flips in the backyard and teaching myself how to do it, that's when I knew I was pretty interested," Barney said.
Ms Herrmann said it was after watching the Flying Fruit Fly Circus come to the MIA that it all came together.
"He started gymnastics, we had a look at he facility in Albury and there was a program in September he took part and some auditions," she said.
Barney said the auditions, which incorporated many different aspects, including tumbling, trapeze work, juggling and more, tested him.
"It was a test, but it was a lot of fun," he said.
"When I found out I had got in, I was running around the house. I was so excited."
Life at the circus has been an adjustment, but Barney is loving his new life. We have a schedule that we stick to," he said.
"There's training and school work. It's hard sometimes, but I'm used to it now. Tumbling and doing flips is my favourite. It's pretty different to 'normal' school."
Barney had his first performance about a fortnight ago, which was a combination of tumbling, acting, dance and more, which was a routine he put together with his partner.
As with any sport, Barney has had several injuries during his first time, but nothing too serious.
"There's been times where I've been pretty sore ... I've pulled a lot of muscles," he said.
At this year's Australia Day awards in Leeton, Barney was awarded the shire's young achiever of the year honour.
He is also not the first resident to be accepted into the Flying Fruit Fly, with Jack Morris the most recent graduate.
Residents will remember him for his participation in Australian Ninja Warrior in 2017.
Barney is looking forward to learning more and hopes to make a career from the circus one day.
He's also hoping to do some busking in Leeton during the school holidays.
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