Ten athletes from the Nanaimo Gymnastics School attended their first live event in two years in February. (Nanaimo Gymnastics School)

By Dan Marshall

Youth Athletes Shine

Nanaimo Gymnastics School returns to live events after near two year absence

Mar 1, 2022 | 9:42 AM

NANAIMO — After almost 24 months without live competition students at the Nanaimo Gymnastics School scored well in their return.

Ten local gymnasts performed at the Christy Fraser Memorial Invitational in Langley over the Family Day long weekend in February.

Coach Tracy Welbourn was elated to see many strong performances.

“It’s been really hard over the past couple years and we’ve seen numbers drop off. We feel so fortunate that we’ve been able to not only keep these athletes active and motivated, but have also see growth in some of our competitive areas.”

Mylah Vanden-Elsen had exceptional results in the Level 9 category taking gold on vault, beam, floor and all-around with a fourth place finish on bars.

On the Lake

Training, fundraising take precedence in winter months for Nanaimo Rowing Club

5h ago

clean-up

Locals plan to remove shoreline hazard in Qualicum Beach

Dec 13, 2025

Wings Clipped

Seguin-Lescarbeau and Rimmer lead Clippers to Teddy Bear Toss win

Dec 13, 2025

Tatum Deschutter won gold on bars and all-around in her Level 7 division while also taking silver on floor, fourth on vault and fifth on beam.

Both Deschutter Hazel Quarress received the Christy Fraser Memorial Award which is given to gymnasts who embody support, determination and a positive attitude.

“These athletes are so ready for what’s to come this year,” Welbourn said. “They want to shine, and have some pretty great goals”.

Other Nanaimo School members with strong finishes were Samantha Jones whose best results were a silver on beam and fourth place on floor, while Bellaku Caleb earned a bronze on bars and fourth all-around.

Quarress, Tessa Bell, Sophia Erler, Emmelyn Szopa, Ella Creed and Kate Cunningham all posted at least one top ten score in their respective categories.

The Christy Fraser event was just the first in a busy competition window for NGS athletes.

Two important qualifying events are upcoming in the lower mainland including western Canadian trials and the BC Provincial Championships.

The 2022 BC Championships will be held March 25-27 at the North Surrey Sports and Ice Complex.

Welbourn expects there to be some hiccups for her students getting into the rhythm of live events again.

“It’s going to take a couple competitions to get back into it. For coaches as well. We’re here to support them in following their dreams.”

Join the conversation. Submit your letter to NanaimoNewsNOW and be included on The Water Cooler, our letters to the editor feature.

info@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @NanaimoNewsNOW