Bella - one of Hagley’s many talented Year 9 students.

Bella Gruindelingh is in the class I teach for PE. When I first met her it was hard not to be impressed with her athleticism, strength and quite astonishing flexibility. When I asked her where all that came from she informed me she was a rhythmic gymnast. Ahhh.. right.. these abilities now matched an activity!!

I caught up with Bella and asked her about her history with the sport, her ambitions and her successes. What I came across was a student who is goal driven, focused and clearly talented.

Bella started artistic gymnastics (her explanation – “you know Rowan, normal gym with like the beam and stuff) when she was 8. The gym club she was at also had a rhythmic gym club at the same venue. Bella used to look over at them performing and practicing and watch. She was attracted to the dance side of rhythmic gymnastics. She decided to change and give it a go and has never looked back.

When she began rhythmic gym, the coaches put her through a series of tests, including flexibility. She performed well and was put in a Level 1 group straight away. At that level she competed in about four competitions. Over the years Bella has moved up the levels, and she just went up to Level 7 following Nationals in Auckland in October.

Bella had an outstanding National Championships. She received four medals: 2nd in the ball, 2nd in clubs, and 2nd in hoop which gained her the prestigious 1st overall medal. Bella said she was completely surprised by the result. She thought she might have placed in one apparatus but then was announced as the overall winner as well.

However, this success doesn’t just happen. An average week sees Bella train four times a week for three hours at a time. I pointed out to Bella that this was a bit like the time commitment of a part-time job. It makes up a significant part of her week. She is also very grateful for the support of her Mum and Dad. Her Mum attended Nationals and Bella is aware that this is a costly exercise for the family and quite a commitment. Her Dad drives her to training and always watches competitions. Bella wanted to make sure they are aware how grateful she is of their support.

Bella has big goals and a dream to represent New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games. This can happen for her after Level 10. Bella recounts how the gym club supported one of her coaches who went to Glasgow in 2014 to represent New Zealand and how exciting it was to know someone that had performed at that level.

Bella is also a very capable student. She came to Hagley for her future. She wanted to get a good education and she respects how the teachers all respect their students at Hagley.

She also had some important advice for next year’s Year 9 students. Her advice is to work your hardest and have a dream. She absolutely lives out this advice in her own life and I look forward to following her career with interest.

Congratulations, Bella, on all you have achieved and we all wish you well for your future.