Chilliwack’s Zach Clay may have missed out on the Tokyo Olympics, but he’s going to the 2021 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships.
The 1995-born athlete was named to the national men’s team that will represent Canada in Kitakyushu, Japan.
The event runs Oct. 18 to 24 and Clay will be joined by René Cournoyer, Félix Dolci, William Émard, Jayson Rampersad and Chris Kaji. Clay, who trains at Twisters Gymnastics in Abbotsford, will have Twisters coach Richard Ikeda with him in Japan as part of Canada’s coaching staff.
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These championships will be different from previous versions in that there will be no team competition, only all-around and apparatus finals.
“Whilst these World Championships will bring the extended Tokyo Olympic cycle to a close, they also offer an opportunity for the next generation of gymnasts to showcase their abilities going into the Paris Olympic cycle,” said Canadian men’s national team head coach Ed Van Hoof. “This is a great opportunity for new faces to emerge and start the team development for Paris qualification. Everyone is highly motivated and looking forward to competing on the world stage.”
Before leaving for Japan, Clay will be in Montreal for a preparation camp at INS-Québec.
