Last month, the Victorian gymnastics team member secured the title of No.2 champion in Australia at the Australian National Championships in Brisbane. The team have his win to thank for propelling them to top spot at the competition.

Kurz, this week's Sports Star, also won gold in both the floor and parallel bars. Now Kurz plans to compete for a world title.

"To be more competitive, to reach a higher level, I plan to cut back and get rid of performing on the rings and high bar, and will concentrate on the floor, pommel horse and parallel bars," he said.

Kurz started competing as a gymnast at the age of 11 but started to take competition seriously only a couple of years ago.

"I was a late starter. At 21, I am in my peak in years but I could get better at performance. Hopefully my body will hold up without any more injuries."

Kurz, a final year university student studying for a sports exercises and sports management degree, plans to take his gymnastics to international level, but he concedes competition is tough with many talented gymnasts vying for selection.

"My goal is to be selected this year to qualify for the world championships."

But apart from his gruelling training schedule, Kurz is also facing the challenges of injury.

He recently tore tendons in his knee and could not train for six weeks.

"Injury and pain is the challenge of this sport. I have bad ankles, bad knees and sometimes it's hard to manage all the pain."

To nominate a Sports Star of the Week, write to us: Sports Star, the Journal, editorial department, PO Box 318, Dandenong 3175; email:journal@fairfaxmedia.com.au or call us on 9238 7777 and ask to speak to a Berwick or Pakenham reporter.