FitKidz gymnasts ended their season on a high note during a Kelowna meet May 31 to June 1.
In the level 1 category, Jayna Bamber, Kiah Planedin and Tiana Ferlizza earned top-10 finishes, while Ella Hiebert and Olivia DeVito added silver medals to their collections. In the level 2, Olivia Dunley Owen, 11, and Kalli Doell, 11, walked away with three medals each, including first and second overall while Julia Nixon performed a gold medal floor routine. Teammates Hannah Patterson, Ella Simmons, 11, Katarina Sterk, 12, and Katelin Coombes all had solid performances and claimed many of the top-10 spots.
FitKidz coach Katelyn Luscombe said the level of competition was more difficult than at other meets this year as there were clubs from B.C. and Alberta.
“The kids showed their best. They showed a lot of progression,” said Luscombe. “It was good timing. We were looking for personal bests.”
Luscombe added she’s extremely proud of the year the girls have had and the sportsmanship they have displayed.
“I think that inspiration has been contagious this year,” she said. “The girls have encouraged each other to new levels.”
In March FitKidz earned four of six Okanagan spots for provincials in Prince George sending Doell, Dunley-Owen, Simmons and Sterk. Nixon qualified in the level 2 category.
“The meet was a highlight of the year as the girls were competing against the best in the province,” said Luscombe.
The Fitkidz group came out with five medals as Doell won gold on vault and bars. She also placed third on beam, fourth on floor and third overall. Dunley-Owen was third on vault, fifth on beam and 10th overall.
Ella Simmons placed fifth on bars and seventh on floor, while Sterk also placed seventh on the floor. Nixon was 10th in the vault, seventh on beam, third on floor and seventh overall.
“It was a good trip,” said Luscombe. “I think the kids really grew from the experience.”
