Park Avenue student Hazel with her gold at the BC Winter Games in February.
By Mandy Moraes, NLPS staff
After years of dedication, two Nanaimo students took their skills to the BC Winter Games, held in late February at Trail-Rossland, where they achieved strong results and meaningful personal bests in artistic gymnastics.
Grade 7 Park Avenue Elementary student Hazel earned all-around gold in her first BC Winter Games, making the achievement especially meaningful.
“It felt really great, and I was just super proud of myself,” she said.
The young gymnast excelled on bars and beam. On vault, the event she’d worked hardest to improve, she reached a personal best.
Competing with the Vancouver Island Coastal team, Hazel valued connecting with other athletes.
“I met a bunch of new friends from other places,” she said.
She has been involved in gymnastics since the age of two and says her love for the sport grows along with her.
“I just like the adrenaline of it,” she said. “I want to make it to the Olympics and make myself proud.”
Grade 9 Nanaimo District Secondary student Norah earned a silver medal on beam, placed fourth on bars, and placed in the top 10 all-around in Level 8 gymnastics.
Norah qualified for the BC Winter Games through a wildcard spot, demonstrating her effort and Vancouver Island’s strong gymnastics community.
“It was exciting. There weren’t that many people going, and I got to be one of them,” she said.
Having previously competed at the BC Summer Games, she enjoyed this experience more because she knew the people involved.
Taking home silver on beam was a highlight of the Games for Nora and also marked her best-ever score in the event.
She has also qualified for the Western Canadian Championships, where she will represent the region.
Both students agreed that success is built not only on results but also on growth, resilience, and pride in their progress.
NDSS student Norah on the beam during at the BC Winter Games in February.