It’s not every gymnastics coach who can say they helped a Canadian athlete make it to the Olympics.
For Kerrisdale Community Centre instructor Bing Zhao, one of her career highlights was seeing student Kate Richardson successfully compete in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. The then-20-year-old athlete made history by becoming the first Canadian woman to qualify for an Olympic final in women’s gymnastics.
“I was so happy to have had a chance to coach Kate Richardson, who had been at the top of the Canadian women’s gymnastics team and won seventh place in the Olympics,” says Zhao. “It’s a big deal for me and I believe it’s a big deal for Canadian women’s gymnastics too. Richardson was a very talented gymnast and she worked hard, never gave up.”
In addition to being a a former coach for the Canadian women’s national gymnastics team, Zhao is also a former head coach for the Chinese Rhythmic Gymnastics Group. As well, she now has seven-years-and-counting’ coaching experience at various Vancouver community centres, including Kerrisdale since 2019.
“I’m very passionate about coaching gymnastics at community centres because I think gymnastics is a great foundation for all kinds of sports,” says Zhao, who is an NCCP level three certified coach. “Especially with my coaching experience, I want more ordinary people at the community level to have a chance to get high-quality gymnastics education.”
She adds that gymnastics has all of the fundamental elements, from flexibility and balance to focus, coordination, strength and self confidence. “The kids from 4-11 years old are at the best ages to learn and develop all of the body movements and skills.”
When she’s not coaching, Zhao can be found doing Chinese calligraphy, listening to music and dancing.
Register now for Bing Zhao’s Gymnastics Preparation Program (4.5-6 year olds) in the Winter 2025 Guide (p. 16).
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