There has been a range of emotions as Allira Bull prepares for her final world titles as a sports aerobics competitor.
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And it seems fitting the seven-time world champion will finish up alongside student Siennah Pirona.
The Newcastle pair will join forces at the FISAF International World Sports Aerobics and Fitness Championships to be held in Leiden, The Netherlands from October 10 to 12.
They will compete for glory in the adult duo category and are part of a nine-strong contingent from Bull's studio, Newcastle Sports Aerobics, headed to the world titles.
It will be the 29-year-old's 14th appearance on the world stage since her first in 2004. A pairs crown came in 2011 before five straight individual adult titles then a trio victory in 2017.
After injury prevented Bull from competing last year, the talented athlete-cum-coach has decided this will be her swansong as a competitor.
"It hasn't really sunk in yet and it's a mix of emotions," Bull said. "But I'm still really enjoying it and that's ultimately what I've been aiming to do.
"I'm still training hard and I've done everything I know I have to do but am just trying to enjoy it that little bit more. That's been nice, and to finish off with Siennah, who was the first athlete I ever took to worlds as a coach. It's really nice as a club owner that I started with her and now I'm finishing with her.
"We're aiming to go there and hopefully win."
Bull opened her studio in 2012 and has had success as a coach at international level each year since.
Eighteen-year-old Pirona, who is the Australian team captain, and Bull will compete in the adult duo category after a gold-medal performance at the Australian titles in Brisbane in August.
Lateisha Pirona will compete in junior individual as well as junior duo with Sophie Herbert. Stephanie Keily and Victoria Lee will compete in adult individual after finishing first and second respectively at the national titles.
Australian cadet trio champions Blair Fisher, Imogen Prentice and Ruby Sills are set for their debut appearance at the world championships.
"Having nine of us going is really awesome," Bull said.
"Being a coach now I can share everything that I've been through as an athlete.
"I'm excited to compete this year but also to finish with my family there. And to be there as a coach for my up and coming athletes, especially my younger ones because it's their first time. That's really exciting for me.
"Even though I've been to quite a few world championships I don't ever get sick of it. Every year is a different experience and, for this year being my last one and taking new athletes as well, it will be a whole new experience again."
Athletes from 30 countries will compete at the world titles.
