Geraldine Sidders Proud Of Wushu Campaign
Geraldine Sidders has completed her campaign at the 10th World Junior Wushu Championships in Tianjin, China.
Sidders finished 32nd in the gunshu [staff] and 21st in her other taolu event, changquan [long fist].
She was accompanied by Bermuda Sanshou Association coaches Garon Wilkinson and Kaelin Cox, along with team leader Nolette Webb.
“I’m humbled and honoured to represent my country,” Sidders said.
“I’m most proud of my performance in the staff form on day one.
“Some things went wrong on day two in the long fist, but I brought the fierceness and intensity my coaches wanted.
“I know the areas where I need improvement; however, my hard work is clear, and I believe I have grown so much as an athlete these past two days.”
Wilkinson, the BSA president, said the routines were strong, particularly the rhythm, which is a key element of wushu taolu.
“She’s very new to group A [ages 15 to 17] and has only been performing these routines for a few months,” he told Bernews.
“She has another three years to compete with these routines, so we expect to see significant improvement.
“Overall, I’m very happy with Geraldine’s performance.”
Sidders is the first athlete to represent Bermuda at the championships since 2012, when Samir Farquan competed in sanda [the sport’s combat discipline].
She is set to compete at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, in October and November.
