Submitted by Glacier Gymnastics
Five Nelson gymnasts have earned highly sought after placements on the Kootenay Zone Gymnastics Team to compete at the 2023 BC Winter Games in Vernon on March 23 to 22.
Molly Anderson, 15 and Jersey Skolka, 13, won two of three spots in the Level 7 category. Anouk Prud’homme, 15, Macy Loutit, 15, and Anni van Hellemond, 13, earned all three spots in the Level 8 category. The BC Winter Games qualifying competition took place Jan. 14 in Cranbrook.
“This trial event is a very intense competition experience,” said head coach Sandra Long. “There are only six team placements and many gymnasts in our Zone want a BC Games experience.”
Anderson performed solid routines on all events, earning her the All Around Gold in the Level 7 category. Skolka, performed personal best routines that put her into the All Around Silver placement and a Level 7 team spot.
Veteran competitor Prud’homme won the All Around Gold in the Level 8 category. Loutit was right behind her with All Around Silver and Van Hellemond, the youngest competitor in the Level 8 category, took the All Around Bronze.
Long said the girls won their spots because they have a hardworking training ethic.
“All these gymnasts moved up a competitive level for this season. Which meant they had to learn many new advanced skills and incorporate them into confident routines.”
A BC Games year is especially challenging because routines need to be ready three months earlier than in a normal season said Long.
“This team of gymnasts laid down extreme effort and focus in every practice in order to make the Zone team.”
Since the trials, the five gymnasts have continued to work hard on physical and mental training in preparation for the BC Winter Games. Long said that the Nelson team has the potential to bring home at least one or more event medals from the Games.
For more information, contact Sandra Long at sandra@glaciergymnastics.com.