Alia Wilson has two passions, tumbling and travelling.
The 10-year-old's talent for gymnastics has allowed her to fulfill her second love.
"It's very exciting because I get to go to Winnipeg," said Wilson. "It's far from here and I've never been there."
Winnipeg is where the Western Canadian Gymnastics Championship will be held May 5. Wilson became the first Prince George Gymnastics Club athlete to qualify for the competition since 2007 when she won the pre-novice aspire all-around at the Surrey Classic, a pre trials competition March 3.
The top five of the 20 gymnasts from the all-around competition in Surrey qualified for Western Canadians. Wilson also won the silver medal on the balance beam and placed fifth on floor, seventh on uneven bars and eighth on vault. At Westerns she has set a goal for herself of a Top 5 finish.
Only pre-novice aspire and provincial level 5 gymnasts are eligible to compete for a spot at the western championship.
Besides preparing to compete in Winnipeg, Wilson is also looking forward to competing at home when Prince George hosts the B.C. provincial championship for artistic gymnastics, April 5-7, at the Northern Sport Centre.
Jodie Hinks, head coach at the Prince George Gymnastics Club, said a top five finish at Westerns should be attainable for Wilson, as should a top three finish at the B.C. championship.
"She's a hard worker with a good work ethic," said Hinks.
Wilson said she'd like to eventually compete in the high performance category for gymnasts - the level that performs at world championships and the Olympics.
