Nine Young Gymnasts Compete at Copa Quetzal, Bring Home 24 Medals

Nine young gymnasts from Belize represented SESA Gymnastics and the Gymnastics Federation of Belize at the Copa Quetzal competition in Guatemala City from August 19 to 22, returning home with 24 medals and six trophies.

The team collected four gold, eight silver and 12 bronze medals at the international competition. The six trophies were awarded to gymnasts who placed among the top three in their respective divisions.

According to SESA coach Susen Bedran, the competition was not originally part of the gymnasts’ plans for the year. However, because Copa Quetzal was held during the summer, SESA saw an opportunity to allow girls with school commitments to compete.

Some of the gymnasts had missed training during the year or were unable to attend classes consistently because of school. With limited time to prepare, the team intensified its training in July, with the girls training almost every day ahead of the August competition.

Bedran said the girls had to work quickly to prepare for the competition, with July serving as an intensive training period. “In July, we really pushed. They had gym like every day in July to get ready for this competition in August,” she said, adding that their dedication helped them learn their routines and prepare in time.

For Bedran, the results were about more than the medals. “We’re definitely proud of the girls,” she said. “As a coach, you know where they started, you know where their weaknesses are. You know where their strengths are,” adding that she was proud to see the girls overcome their weaknesses and perform well in areas where they had previously struggled.

The girls also continued training while in Guatemala, with some attending sessions at a local gym before and after the competition. Bedran said the experience provided additional training and valuable experience, regardless of whether the gymnasts placed in their divisions.

Copa Quetzal marked SESA Gymnastics’ second participation in the competition, following its previous appearance in 2024. Bedran said the team had shown improvement since its first appearance.