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Leeds Live
National
Mellissa Dzinzi

Leeds girl aspiring to be professional gymnast to train with Team GB

This is the 10-year-old Leeds girl who hopes to one day be a professional gymnast for Team GB.

Thandie Beck, from Rothwell, began trampolining when she was three years old and has seen much success over the years.

Her mum Victoria Beck told LeedsLive she has won gold and silver medals over the years and this week, she has qualified for the English and the British finals which will take place later this year.

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Thandie, who trains five times a week and looks up to Team GB’s Bryony Page, is currently in the top eight in trampolining and she holds third place.

In 2019, just before the pandemic hit, the “determined” schoolgirl was Yorkshire Champion for her age group.

Despite not being able to train during the pandemic, her mum says she has shown "sheer determination" to improve and be successful in the sport.

Mum of four Victoria said: “She started doing it as something to do on the weekend.

“She got better and progressed. She trains five times a week, she was doing it six days a week but now it's five days - evenings and weekends.

“It’s a big deal,” she added. “She loves it, she looks forward to going to training.

“She says she wants to be a professional gymnast but when she finishes she wants to be a doctor, she has a back up plan she would love to do trampolining professionally.”

Thandie Beck has shown 'sheer determination and hard work' to her sport (Victoria Beck)

Thandie has been invited to go to a camp where she will be coached by Team GB coaches ahead of the big competition in October this year.

Costs for the camp, where she has to cover her own accommodation, eating and travel expenses, will come up to around £500. Other costs also include her entry fee for the English final and British final, as well as their accommodation and travel costs.

Leeds schoolgirl Thandie Beck hopes to be a professional gymnast one day (Victoria Beck)

Victoria, who works in recruitment but is currently on maternity leave, has now launched a fundraising page to help raise money towards Thandie’s training in a bid to give her the “correct opportunities.”

Writing on GoFundMe, the mum said: “Lockdown was a massive struggle for her as it was for most, Missing training for around 18 months had an impact on Thandie and her emotional well-being. Thandie trains five days a week so having to stay home without any training took its toll on her physically as well as mentally. When the gym reopened I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so happy.

“We were not lucky enough to be able to afford gymnastics equipment for Thandie to train at home like many others, however, through sheer determination and hard work Thandie is still performing as well as those who had that luxury.

“Thandie has been invited to a camp whereby she can train with the GB coaches which is a fantastic opportunity for her. The big concern here is the camp comes with a hefty price tag, that alongside the cost of monthly training fees, new leotards, competition entries, travel and accommodation, it is becoming far too much for me to handle alone.

“I truly believe Thandie can take her trampolining to the highest of heights given the correct opportunities and I would hate to think that lack of finances would hinder her in any way.

“I am reaching out to friends and family and maybe other individuals or maybe even small businesses who would like to contribute or sponsor Thandie and help her reach her goals.

It has been incredibly difficult for me to ask for help and assistance with this, however, I need to put my pride aside and do what’s best for my daughter.”

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