Courtney McGergor, a retired artistic gymnast who represented New Zealand at the 2016 Olympics, visited Wanaka’s Aspiring Gymsports on Saturday (August 29).

Aspiring Gymsports coach Rae Paterson said she had contacted Courtney seeking her support and encouragement for Bella Soper, the club’s top senior gymnast.

Bella won the beam and earned second place in the floor competition at the NZ championship last year. She was disappointed when COVID-19 prevented her from attending her first NZ team trial in Wellington in May. 

“It was a difficult time for the young gymnast with a bright future,” Rae said.

Courtney McGregor presented Bella Soper with a pictorial record of her achievements at the 2019 NZ Champs.

Courtney sent an encouraging email to Bella and accepted an invitation to visit the club, and her visit coincided with preparations for the young gymnasts’ first competition in Dunedin in the National Super Series (September 12-13), Rae said.

On Saturday, 10 gymnasts (including four gymnasts new to the competitive squad) performed for friends and family in a practice competition. The squad gymnasts were joined by other club members after the competition for an informal chat with Courtney.

Courtney accompanied each group during the practise competition then spent time with Bella working on beam skills. Courtney talked with the gymnasts about her experiences representing NZ at the World Games, the Olympics, her team training in the USA, training hours, and her favourite and least favourite moves.

Courtney demonstrates one of the most important moves for gymnasts to master: the handstand.

She emphasised working hard, putting in your best effort, and trusting your coach, and also shared a few secrets on how she deals with nerves before a competition.

“Her visit was very inspiring for all the gymnasts and attending members and families,” Rae said.

The Aspiring Gymsports squad members are: Step 1 - Lara Beams, Keira Lam, Stella Kearns, Charlise Wyatt; Step 2 - Mea Allison, Honor Jones; Step 3 - Ivy Campbell; Step 4 - Fleur Jansen, Lucy Wellington, Vienna Harley; Step 8 - Bella Soper. Boys level 2 - Marshall Watson, Charlie Nisbet; Level 3 - James Watson. They will all compete in Dunedin on September 12-13. 

PHOTOS: Supplied