Anais Bebelman is making a name for herself in the arena of Gymnastics! During this term she attended the Auckland Secondary Schools competition coming 2nd overall in the Senior International Grade.
We briefly caught up with Anais who is busy preparing to defend her position of 3rd rank in New Zealand at the New Zealand Gymnastics Championships 2021.
When did you first start participating in gymnastics and which club are you a part of?
I started rhythmic gymnastics at age 6 and I was selected to join the competitive programme after one term of recreational gym. I belong to the Counties Manukau Club and train at the Takanini Gymsport and Recreation Centre. 2021 is my 11th year of competitive rhythmic.
What does you weekly training look like?
I train five days a week for a total of 20+ hours each week plus I also coach some juniors – so I am at the gym 6 days week in total! I try to finish as much of my schoolwork in class as possible because the rest has to be done after training and dinner in the evening.
What do you enjoy most about rhythmic gymnastics?
I love the atmosphere of competitions and competing. I also love the flexibility and coordination it requires.
Do you have any other favourite parts about doing rhythmic gymnastics?
I like to be able to show my creativity in other ways as well. The leotards I wear are custom made for me in Kazakhstan and China. I choose the design and colours and send photos to a dressmaker. At senior international competitions my apparatus must comply with the Federation of International Gymnastics code and these come from Japan and Germany. The apparatus colours are selected to match my leotards and music.
What is your next ambition?
I am hoping to be selected to trial for the Commonwealth Games next year but New Zealand only sends 6 gymnasts across all 4 gymnastics codes.
We wish you all the best for Nationals Anais!
