Thirteen-year-old local gymnast Bethany Hyde has made the New Zealand gymnastics team.
The Bucklands Beach Intermediate School student — and former Maraetai Beach School student – will be representing New Zealand for the first time internationally at the Steps Tour in Hawaii next year.
Bethany started gymnastics when she was 7-years-old. Her mum Kirsten said Bethany was a little uncoordinated and would trip over herself running down the corridor.
“I thought it would be great to help her balance. She now does back tucks on a beam, her balance is amazing, but she is still the kid that can trip over herself running down a corridor.”
Bethany is so dedicated to her sport, training at Eastern Suburbs Gymnastics Club in Glen Innes over 20 hours a week. Her passion and work ethic allow her to still manage to find time to balance school, home and gym life, said Kirsten, allowing Bethany to work towards her dream of competing for her country.
When most people will be relaxing and enjoying some time off over Christmas, Bethany will be training hard getting ready to leave for Hawaii at the beginning of January.
“With gymnastics being entirely self-funded, Bethany would welcome any sponsors to aid with her continued growth as a New Zealand athlete,” Kirsten said.
A Givealittle page has been set up to raise funds for Bethany’s trip. https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/representing-nz-at-the-gymnastics-2020-hawaii-tour
