B.C. athletes took five of the top 10 spots in the Open 4 category at the 2014 Western Canadian Gymnastics Championships.
Indeed, first place on each apparatus – floor exercise, vault, balance beam and uneven bars – as well as first place overall was won by a B.C. athlete. The competition took place in Saskatoon at the end of April and saw top gymnasts from B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and the Yukon compete for the title of Western Canadian Gymnastics Champion.
The athletes competed with others in the same age range and difficulty level. Gymnasts from Levels 4, 5 and National qualified at their respective Provincial Gymnastics Championship meets earlier this spring.
This year, two Island athletes participated in the Open 4 category and both brought home gold medals. Lauren Carr from Chimo Gymnastics in Comox qualified for this year’s competition at the Provincial Championships in Kamloops.
The 16-year-old Mark R. Isfeld student started competing with Chimo Gymnastics four years ago and was thrilled to qualify for this event. Vault is the only event in gymnastics that gives you two chances to do your best.
Lauren’s first Tsukahara vault was extremely strong and she stuck the landing. Her second vault was even more dynamic, and even with a slight step on the landing scored her a 13.55, placing her solidly in first place on the podium 0.75 ahead of her competitors. Carr placed fourth on floor and positioned her for seventh place overall.
Comox and Campbell River gymnasts train together on occasion and cheer each other on at meets. Westerns were no exception. Melissa MacAdam from Springs Gymnastics in Campbell River brought her determination to Saskatoon.
The Comox/Campbell River contingent was thrilled to cheer Melissa on to take first place on floor and third place on beam, ultimately crowning her the 2014 Open Level 4 Western Canadian Gymnastics Champion, a fitting finish for this 15 year gymnastics veteran as she prepares to graduate high school and pursue post-secondary education.
Both athletes expressed their appreciation for their coaches, respective gymnastics clubs, teammates, friends and families for their support.
– Chimo Gymnastics
