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Glacier sending 3 gymnasts to B.C. Winter Games

Eden Bellman, Dafni van Hellemond, Brianne Stefani are on their way to Kamloops
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L-R: Glacier Gymnastics athletes Eden Bellman, Dafni van Hellemond, Brianne Stefani are competing at this weekend’s B.C. Winter Games. Photo submitted

Three Nelson gymnasts have earned highly sought after placements on the Kootenay Zone Gymnastics Team to compete at the B.C. Winter Games, which begin today in Kamloops.

Eden Bellman, 11, and Dafni van Hellemond, 13, won two of three spots in the Level 7 category. Brianne Stefani, 13, took one of three spots in the Level 8 category.

The Games qualifying competition took place Dec. 16 in Cranbrook.

“This trial event is the most intense competition experience our gymnasts go through,” said head coach Sandra Long. “There are only six team placements and many qualified gymnasts in our zone who all want a B.C. Games experience.”

Van Hellemond performed solid routines on all events, earning her the All-Around Gold in the Level 7 category. Bellman, the youngest competitor, performed personal best routines that slid her into the All Around Bronze and final Level 7 team spot.

Veteran competitor Stefani took the All Around Gold in the Level 8 category. Stefani previously won gold in the floor event at the 2016 Games.

Long said that the girls won their spots because of clear mental focus.

“There were many experienced and capable gymnasts vying for these spots, but it came down to the gymnasts who were mentally ready to handle the pressure of the competition.”

Since the trials, the three gymnasts have continued to work hard on physical and mental training in preparation.

Long said that this trio of Nelson gymnasts have the potential to bring home at least one or more event medals from the Games.