Bianca on top of world

Daryn Wood

GYMNASTICS star Bianca Zoonekynd has been selected to participate in the World Games in Columbia next year.
The 20-year-old Bay resident was chosen to take part in the double mini trampoline (DMT) discipline, in which she is ranked No2 in the world, as well as tumbling.
Bianca qualified for the World Games during last year's World Champs where she was placed second in the DMT. She finished as the top African in tumbling to get the wild card spot.
"I am really happy because it is one of my many dreams that have come true,” said Bianca.
The gymnast said she is excited for the competition, but admits that it will not be easy.
"But I am 100% sure I can do it,” she added.
Her mother, Mandy, who also coaches her, has been working closely with her daughter to get her ready for the Games.
Bianca, who has just come out of a break, trains two hours, twice a day, six days a week. She also sees a biokineticist two days a week.
To excel at the Games, Mandy said Bianca would have to keep focused and train hard.
She said she was very proud of her daughter for reaching her dream.
"I am thrilled and very excited. She has made history.”
Bianca, who was the only female gymnast in South Africa to compete at the World Cup in Germany last year, won 15 international medals in 2010.
Last year she had a quieter season but still came back with several international medals.
"My training has been going well. It is the start of the year so I am just doing a lot of new skills and routines,” said Bianca.
Her goal for the World Games?
"I am hoping to get a medal,” she smiles modestly.
Mandy is desperately looking for a sponsor because international competition is imperative for Bianca, as she has no competition in South Africa.
She will also need to attend three World Cups this year, and hopes to attend an international training camp.
Bianca's trampoline is 14 years old and really needs to be upgraded. This will cost R52 000.
Anyone able to assist in any way may contact Mandy on 073-300-3478.