Kelsey Anderson of the Rhythmic Gymnastics Team Canada shattered some personal bests at the recent World University Games in Shenzhen, China.
The Vernon athlete loved the multi-sport experience and also had a blast trading clothes in the athletes village, bumping into elite athletes from all over the world and watching the track and field finals and the gold-medal women’s and men’s basketball games.
The Games hosted almost 11,000 athletes from 150 countries in 24 sports. The event is the largest high-level sporting event in the world after the Summer Olympic Games.
Getting to compete with the world’s best in rhythmic gymnastics was an honor bestowed upon Canada’s Jessica Ho of Vancouver and Anderson.
The Bao’an stadium was near full on Day 1 (approximately 7,500) and was full to capacity (8,188) on Day 2 of the all-around competition.
Anderson finished 29th overall (87.925) after she earned 25th in the hoop (23.15), 27th in the ball (22.77), 28th in clubs (21.6) and 30th in ribbon (20.4).
“I was so excited to be here,” said Anderson. “Then when I saw the stadium I felt nervous because I’ve never competed in this size of venue with a huge crowd and this calibre of competition.
“Warming up next to the world and Olympic champions felt so surreal – a dream come true.
“On Day 1, I was pleased with my routines. They were careful, but overall clean and I just loved being out there. It was so fun. (On Day 2), I felt less sure of myself and was disappointed with my mistakes but proud of my effort.
“I’ve gained so much from being at this event and want to thank Canada and all my supporters for their help and belief in me. This was a life-altering opportunity.”
Ho finished 26th overall (90.625).
Said coach Camille Martens of Vernon: “Almost all other countries sent top-ranked members of their world’s teams. For our girls (ranked fourth and 10th in Canada), getting to join them for this top-level event was incredible. The venue was phenomenal and the organization impeccable. Both girls put out fabulous efforts.”
The all-around competition was won by Evgenia Kanaeva of Russia with a total score of 115.35.
Silver went to Russia’s Daria Dmitrieva (111.875).
“Kelsey’s trip was made possible thanks to the help of grants, scholarships and fundraising – thanks Vernon,” added Martens.
Anderson, who due to a flood at the local club, worked out all summer at the old West Vernon School, Fitness West and the rec centre (with no carpet), stayed grounded and calm in the ball.
“She got most of her skills and no drops: 22.775 a personal best,” said Martens. “Then in hoop she (like Jess) felt more comfortable, more confident and was more dynamic. She played it safe on a few things, but was clean and so fun to watch: 23.15. Another personal best.
“The best part of all was that she came off grinning ear-to-ear giggling, saying ‘that was so fun.’”
