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Archive: 2011

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DECEMBER 30 - CANADA NAMES WOMEN'S TEAM FOR TEST EVENT

 

Gymnastics Canada today announced the 7 team members (6 competing, 1 alternate) to the upcoming London Test Event, the final qualifier for the 2012 London Olympics.

Talia Chiarelli
Madeline Gardiner
Victoria Moors
Mikaela Gerber
Kristina Vaculik
Peng Peng Lee
Brittany Rogers

2010 World team member Bianca Dancose-Giambattisto was in good shape to contend for a spot, but developed wry neck (torticollis). While not a serious condition, she needed five days off training and thus was unable to verify her routines.

2011 World team member Dominique Pegg is still recovering from a hand injury suffered in training at the Pan Am Games.

The team flies New Year's Eve to London, England for a training camp in Essex. The women attempt to qualify January 10, and the men on January 11.


DECEMBER 26 - ALTADORE GYM CLUB SEEKING MEN'S ARTISTIC COACH

Read more....

 

DECEMBER 20 - IG: DANCOSE-GIAMBATTISTO TARGETS OLYMPIC BERTH

International Gymnast magazine recently caught up with Bianca Dancose-Giambattisto. 

"We must really come together as a team, and go out there confident and ready to perform with stability," she told IG. "Canada definitely has the potential to qualify a team for the Olympics. I am training vault and floor but I am really concentrating on bars and beam for now. If I make the team, it will be because of my strong bars and beam.

DECEMBER 19 - TEST EVENT APPROACHES

The second and final qualifier for the 2012 London Olympics is fast approaching. With Lukenchuk and Ikeda competing in Japan, the rest of the men's team gathered in Calgary for a training camp. In contention for the men's team are Nathan Gafuik of Calgary, Brandon O’Neill and Jackson Payne, both of Edmonton, Ken Ikeda of Abbotsford, B.C., Casey Sandy of Brampton, Ont., Jayd Lukenchuk of Saskatoon and Kevin Lytwyn of Stoney Creek, Ont.

On the women's side, contenders include Talia Chiarelli, Dominique Pegg,  Madeline Gardiner, Victoria Moors, Mikaela Gerber,  Brittany Rogers, Kristina Vaculik, younger sister Natalie Vaculik, Bianca Dancose-Giambattisto, Peng Peng Lee, and Anysia Unick. Notably absent is Sabrina Gill, who recently left longtime coaches at Oakville Gymnastics t train at Dynamo in Cambridge.

The teams leave Canada New Year's Eve, for a training camp in England prior to the Test Event.


DECEMBER 11 - THREE BRONZE AT TOYOTA CUP

Jayd Lukenchuk won two bronze medals at this weekend's Toyota Cup, in Japan. The medals came on pommel horse and high bar. He also finished fourth on floor and vault, 5th on parallel bars, and 7th on rings.

Ken Ikeda won bronze on parallel bars. He also finished 6th on pommel horse and tied for fourth on high bar.

http://www.jpn-gym.or.jp/english/events/2011/result/11toyota_m_e.pdf


DECEMBER 10 - LEE TAKES SILVER AT ABIERTO MEXICANO DE GIMNASIA INVITATIONAL

 

Peng Peng Lee and Mikaela Gerber took part in an invitational in Acapulco, Mexico this weekend. Lee took silver, and Gerber finished 6th. A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck during Saturday's competition.  

Results:
1. Ksenia Afanasyeva (RUS) 58.150
2. Christine Peng Peng Lee (CAN) 55.500
3. Mai Yamagishi (JPN) 55.000
4. Emily Little (AUS) 54.900
5.Yessenia Estrada (MEX) 52.600
6. Mikaela Gerber (CAN) 51.250
7. Catalina Escobar (COL) 51.200

Video:
Lee: Uneven Bars | Beam
Gerber: Uneven Bars


DECEMBER 3 - DANCOSE-GIAMBATTISTO: DOUBLE MEDALLIST AT OSTRAVA

Bianca Dancose-Giambattisto won two medals at this weekend's World Cup in Ostrava, Czech Republic. Silver on bars and bronze on beam!

Full results

NOVEMBER 28 - GERBER TO UCLA; COLUSSI-PALAESZ TO FLORIDA

Recent World team members Mikaela Gerber (Canada) and Silvia Colussi-Palaesz (Spain), teammates at Oakville Gymnastics, have announced their NCAA intentions. Gerber will follow older sister Aisha to UCLA, whereas Silvia will stick to the East coast, joining Florida. Both girls anticipate starting NCAA in the 2013-2014 season.

NOVEMBER 27 - MEDALS AT TOP GYM

The combined Canada/Russia team won gold at this weekend's Top Gym, one of the most prestigious junior tournaments. Canadians on the team consisted of Briannah Tsang and Tara Mauchel. Three other Canadians competed: Maddie Copiack was paired with the French and Romanians, finishing 4th. Shallon Olsen and Maegan Chant finished 5th, paired with South Africans.

Shallon Olsen placed the highest in the all-around, amongst all Canadians, winning bronze. In the apparatus finals, Briannah Tsang won vault, with Olsen placing third. Maegan Chant won bronze on beam. Maddie Copiack took gold on floor, with Shallon Olsen finishing third.

Results: All-around | Team/EF

Video: http://www.youtube.com/user/Dutchfan33?feature=mhee#g/u 

NOVEMBER 20 - MOORS WINS GOLD AT MASSILIA CUP

 

In a battle of Victorias, Canada's Victoria Moors bested Russia's Victoria Komova to take the gold on floor exercise today, at the Massilia Cup. The medal was Canada's third of the day, with Sarah Flett and Marissa Dick taking and silver and bronze on vault, respectively.

1. Tatiana Nabieva (RUS)
2. Sarah Flett (CAN)
3. Marisa Dick (CAN)

UB
1. Victoria Komova (RUS) 
2. Tatiana Nabieva (RUS) 
3. Georgia Rose Brown (AUS)

BB
1. Marine Brevet (FRA)
2. Victoria Komova (RUS)
3. Cormoreche

FX
1. Victoria Moors (CAN)
2. Marine Brevet (CAN)
3. Ashleigh Brennan (AUS)

NOVEMBER 19 - CANADA WINS BRONZE AT MASSILIA CUP

 

Victoria Moors led team Canada (including Sabrina Gill, Natalie Vaculik and Stefanie Merkle) to a third place team finish today, at the Massilia Cup. The event was won by the Russians, with France placing second. Moors also placed second individually, to Russia's Victoria Komova.   

1. Victoria Komova RUS 57.750
2. V. Moors CAN 55.650
3. E. Little AUS 55.3
4. M Brevet FRA 55.2
5. T Nabieva RUS 54.150
A. Khum 54.050
A. A Grishina 54.0
8. Boumejmajen
9. K Hofland CAN
10. Thobie
11. N. Vaculik CAN
12. G-R Brown AUS

The apparatus finals will be contested Sunday.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/user/eipos24#p/u (Canadian vids will be uploaded next week)

NOVEMBER 18 - DOWLING LEADS CANADA TO WIN AT MASSILIA OPEN

 

Jessica Dowling led Team Canada "Mix" to victory today, at the Massilia Cup. Competing for the Netherlands leading up to the 2010 World Championships, Dowling received FIG approval earlier this month to revert back to competing for Canada. Joining team Canada with Dowling was Sarah Flett, Tara Mauchel, and Ellie Black

A bevy of other Canadians competed, representing a mix of clubs and provinces (and competing individually). The team from Futures Gymnastics in Ontario took second place, led by Kaitlyn Hofland. Canada 2, a team of juniors, placed 7th. 

Individually, Dowling won the Open AA followed by Australia's Georgia Rose Brown. Hofland took bronze.

1. Canada Mix 155.250 (Dowling, Mauckel, Flett, Black)
2. Canada Futures gym center 154.070 (Hofland, Carvalho, Douglas, Deans)
3. Australie 2 154.450 (Wleeler, Chung, Brown)
4. Pole france marseille 152.090 (Cano, Cormoreche, Errin, Lejoyeux)
5. Belgique 152.010 (Dejardin, Waem, Rabaut, Fransolet)
6. France junior 151.040 (Pauffert, Martin, Chambellant, Plessis)
7. Canada 2 149.055 (Latimer, Chant, Pederson)
8. Suisse 145.095 (Kaeslin, Guissani, Hitz, Jelmini)
9. Canada Alberta 142.050 (Dick, Wilchuck, Pas)
10. France espoir 137.065 (Pause, Loan, Pilla, Marrot)
11. Henin beaumont 137.00 (Delbecq, Belba, Seggio, Maalem)
12. Pole espoir paca 136.000 (Detrez, Pedeneau, Iosip, Baltenek)
+ Brevet Ma? en individuelle
+ Kardos Hailey (canada futur gym center) as an individual

By virtue of their win, Canada "Mix" advances to tomorrow's Massilia Cup.

NOVEMBER 14 - DANCOSE-GIAMBATTISTO SIGNS WITH FLORIDA

2010 Worlds team member Bianca Dancose-Giambattisto has signed a letter of intent, with the University of Florida.

Coach Rhonda Faehn, on Bianca:

Bianca is a beautiful artistic gymnast with grace and style.  Her quality of execution will stand out on the competition floor.  What impressed me the most about Bianca is her love for gymnastics and her desire to compete. In addition to that, her "team first" attitude is remarkable. I feel Bianca will excel beautifully in college gymnastics. We are pleased to have another international student-athlete join our team.

Link: Gators press release

NOVEMBER 12 - MOORS AND HOFLAND SHINE IN FINALS AT TOURNOI INTERNATIONAL DE GYMNASTIQUE

 
Canada's Victoria Moors and Kaitlyn Hofland each took two golds today, in Combs-la-Ville, at the Tournoi International de Gymnastique. Moors won vault and floor, while Hofland topped the standings on bars and beam.

VT
1. Victoria Moors CAN
2. Kaitlyn Hofland CAN
3. Sabrina Gill CAN
4. Emeline Maigniant FRA
5. Nicole Hitz SUI
6. Maureen pagno FRA

UB
1. Kaitlyn Hofland CAN
2. Victoria Moors CAN
3. Valentine Sabatou FRA
4. Doriane Thobie FRA
5. Canada
6. NED
7. Sabrina Gill CAN
8. NED

BB
1. Kaitlyn Hofland CAN
2. Doriane Thobie FRA
3. Oc?e Seggio FRA
4. Victoria Moors CAN
5.
6. NED
7. Maureen Pagno FRA
8. Cl?nce Belka FRA
9. Canada

FX
1. Victoria Moors CAN
2. Doriane Thobie FRA
3. Kaitlyn Hofland CAN
4. Sabrina Gill CAN
5.
6. Cataline Denis Leclere FRA
7. Victoria-Kayen Woo CAN
8. Nicole Hitz SUI

Full results: http://www.cacv-gym.com/Resultats%2015%20Tournoi%20Combs.pdf

NOVEMBER 11 - AUSTRALIA AWARDED 2018 COMMONWEALTHS

Australia's Gold Coast has just been chosen to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games!

NOVEMBER 11 - CANADA WINS TOURNOI INTERNATIONAL DE GYMNASTIQUE

 

Team Canada (Victoria Moors, Sabrina Gill, & Stefanie Merkle) took gold today in Combs-la-Ville, at the Tournoi International de Gymnastique. Moors won the competition, with Gill coming in second. Rose Kalam Woo took gold in the Espoir (Children's / Hopes) division.

Juniors
1. Canada 1 (Moors Gill Merkle)
2. Insep (thobie Zolotaryova Sabatou)
3. Vic Centre Canada (Hofland Carvalho)
4. Canada TNT (Leipsic Woo (Victoria-Kayen) Cyrenne)
5. Netherlands (Bombach Ruikes)
6. Canada 2 (Tomassini Latimer ?)
7. Switzerland
8. Henin Beaumont (Seggio Belka Maalem)
9. France junior (Maignant Boby Denis-Leclere)
10. Combs / France
11. Poland
12. Meaux / France

Junior AA
1. Victoria Moors Canada
2. Sabrina Gill Canada
3. Doriane Thobie France / INSEP
4. Kaitlyn Hofland CAN / Futures gymnastics center
5. Victoria-Kayen Woo CAN / TNT
6. Stefanie Merkle CAN
7. Maartje Ruikes NED
8. Julia Bombach NED
9. Sabrina Tomassini CAN
10. Valentine Sabatou France / INSEP

Espoir
1. France Espoir (Charpy Boyer Boufadene)
2. Avoine (Huet Perdreau Rakotomaharo)
3. Thann (Kretz Lidy Ehlinger)

Espoir AA
1. Rose Kalam Woo Canada
2. Grace Charpy France
3. Harmonie Pitival France (St-Etienne)
4. Marine Boyer France
5. Farah Boufadene France
6. Tiffany Huet France (Avoine)
7. M?nie Kretz France (Thann)
8. Lucie Perdreau France (Avoine)
9. Malaurie Lidy France (Thann)
10. Melissa Ehlinger France (Thann)

Link: http://www.youtube.com/user/AureliaGym (tip: search "CAN Combs" for routines from Canadians at this year and past year's editions)

NOVEMBER 10 - ROGERS AND UNICK SIGN WITH GEORGIA

Brittany Rogers and Anysia Unick have both signed with Georgia, and are scheduled to join the Georgia Gym Dawgs for the 2013 season. Coach Jay Clark on Brittany:

Brittany has a tremendous amount of international experience. She has an incredible vocabulary of skills. We also see her as an impactful all-arounder and the potential to be a real star in college gymnastics. Once again, we think her personality is one that fits in well here. She has a real competitive edge to her. She loves to compete and hates to lose. Certainly that's an important quality to have when you are putting a team together and trying to create that competitive edge. We expect that she will produce an awful lot right out of the gate.

Coach Jay Clark on Unick:

Anysia is a recent commit. Initially she had not shown great interest in Georgia, but we were able to make some good contact with her and convince her to visit. As with so many, it is that visit to this place that puts Georgia on the map for them. Anysia was no different, and she absolutely loved her visit here. We believe she is another all-arounder in college, but I think right now she is well known as probably one of the best - if not the best - bars worker in Canada. Right away she is going to be able to produce huge numbers there. We were thrilled to have Anysia choose us. She is a tremendous student, and like Brittany, possesses a real competitive fire.

Link: Georgia press release

NOVEMBER 10 - LEE DISCUSSES ALPHABET PHOTOGRAPHY

Peng Peng Lee and several rhythmic gymnasts appeared on Canada AM this morning, discussing the alphabet photography project.

Watch the episode!

The photos can be purchased at www.alphabetphotography.com

NOVEMBER 6 - SILVERS IN OSIJEK

Brittany Rogers captured silver on vault yesterday, at the World Cup in Osijek, Croatia. She also competed in the finals for bars (4th), beam (8th) and floor (5th). Bianca Dancose-Giambattisto competed bars finals, finishing 5th.

In men's competition, Nathan Gafuik captured a silver on high bar today. He also came close to medalling on p-bars and vault, finishing fourth.

NOVEMBER 2 - CANADIAN OLYMPIC TEAM 2012 COLLECTION

Hudson?s Bay Company has unveiled the 2012 Canadian Olympic Team Replica Apparel that will outfit our athletes at the upcoming Olympic Games in London.

OCTOBER 28 - GERBER, VACULIK, AND SMITH MEDAL AT PAN AMS

 

Canadian gymnasts earned three medals at their last day of competition, today at the Pan Am Games. Kristina Vaculik and Mikaela Gerber each placed second, on beam and floor, respectively. Hugh Smith picked up a bronze on vault, the only medal for the men at these Games. 

Talia Chiarelli also competed today, placing 5th on beam. Scott Morgan equaled the result on vault.

Yesterday, there were a couple of medal "near misses" for Canada. Scott Morgan finished fourth on floor, and Jason Scott was fourth on pommels. Peng Peng Lee placed 5th on bars.

CBC is airing Pan Am highlights Saturday mornings. Additional highlights are available online, at cbc.ca/sports.

Link: Official Pan Ams website


OCTOBER 26 - VACULIK CLAIMS AA BRONZE AT PAN AMS

 

Kristina Vaculik was awarded bronze today, in the all-around competition at the Pan Am Games. She credits the win to a solid routine on bars, an apparatus that has historically given her troubles (including at the recent World Championships, in Tokyo, Japan). “Bars is one of the most difficult events in gymnastics and it’s been a daily struggle to keep on working at it,” Vaculik told Gymnastics Canada. “You have to work through it and believe in yourself.”

It's a feeling echoed by Canada's Peng Peng Lee today, who struggled on her Bhardwaj transition. The mistake cost her a medal in the all-around. She finished 4th AA. She'll have a chance to redeem herself tomorrow, competing in the apparatus finals for bars.

In the men's all-around, Anderson Loren finished 7th AA and Hugh Smith 9th AA.

CBC is airing Pan Am highlights Saturday mornings. Additional highlights are available online, at cbc.ca/sports.

Link: Official Pan Ams website


OCTOBER 25 - CANADIAN MEN SETTLE FOR FIFTH AT PAN AMS

 

A younger Canadian team competed in the men's team event today in Guadalajara, Mexico. Brazil took gold, with Puerto Rico taking the silver and the Americans grabbing bronze. Columbia placed fourth, one spot ahead of Canada.

Leading the young team was veteran Hugh Smith, who notched Canada's highest all-around score and qualified to the vault apparatus. Joining him in tomorrow's all-around will be Anderson Loren. Also continuing his competition at these Games is Scott Morgan, who qualified to the floor and vault finals.

CBC is airing Pan Am highlights Saturday mornings. Additional highlights are available online, at cbc.ca/sports.

Link: Official Pan Ams website


OCTOBER 24 - CANADIAN WOMEN  PAN AMS

 

Canada's 5-member squad claimed the silver medal at the Pan Am Games today, in Guadalajara, Mexico. The Americans won the meet, though by a smaller margin than expected (219.750 to 217.450) after disastrous beam and floor rotations.

Posting the top 2 all-around scores for Canada, and advancing to the all-around competition, are Peng Peng Lee and Kristina Vaculik. Mikaela Gerber finished 7th AA, Talia Chiarelli 13th, and Coralie Leblond-Chartrand 18th.

Qualifying to the apparatus finals based on these performances:
- Lee: bars
- Vaculik: vault, beam, and floor
- Gerber: floor
- Chiarelli: beam

CBC is airing Pan Am highlights Saturday mornings. Additional highlights are available online, at cbc.ca/sports.

Link: Official Pan Ams website


OCTOBER 23 - GYMNASTICS CANADA STAKEHOLDER SURVEY

GCG has developed a stakeholder engagement survey, available to complete when you visit their survey. Or, access the survey directly at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LN3W577


OCTOBER 23 - CHAMPIONS SEEKING COMPETITIVE COACH

Click for more details...


OCTOBER 22 - PEGG FRACTURES FINGER AT PAN AMS

 

Dominique Pegg fractured a finger yesterday in training, in Guadalajara at the Pan Am Games. 

Maddie Gardiner, a member of Canada's recent Worlds team, expressed a desire to sit out these Games. As such, she was named alternate. She is at home in Ontario, and despite Pegg's injury will not fly to Mexico to join the team. Instead, Canada will compete 5-5-4.

The team now consists of Peng Peng Lee, Mikaela Gerber, Kristina Vaculik, Coralie Leblond-Chartrand, and Talia Chiarelli

Canada's men's program opted to send an entirely different team to Pan Ams, than those who competed earlier this month at World Championships in Tokyo. Representing Canada in Guadalajara are: Hugh Smith, Tariq Dowers, Anderson Loran, Jason Scott, Scott Morgan, and Mathieu Csukassy.

Last week, Canadians Rosie MacLennan won gold in women's trampoline and Keenan Soehn won gold in men's trampoline.

CBC is airing Pan Am highlights Saturday mornings. Additional highlights are available online, at cbc.ca/sports.

Link: Official Pan Ams website


OCTOBER 19 - CANADIAN GYMNASTS: A - Z

Several top Canadian gymnasts, including Peng Peng Lee, Dominique Pegg, and Casey Sandy, teamed up with photographer Jennifer Blakeley, who travels around the world collecting photographs of architecture and every day objects that look like letters of the alphabet. This time, it was the gymnasts who contorted into different positions to represent the letters of the alphabet.

“The athletes are just incredible in the way that they can bend their bodies and the different positions they can hold, it made the process much easier because of their flexibility and strength,” Blakeley told the Toronto Star. “But it was pretty challenging trying to imagine different ways for them to create the alphabet...They were willing to try just about anything I threw at them,” she said.

The photos can be purchased at www.alphabetphotography.com


OCTOBER 19 - WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Apologies for the lack of updates; I was traveling abroad, with very infrequent Internet access!

Canada's women's team finished 11th at the 2011 World Championships, falling short of an automatic team berth to the London 2012 Olympic Games but qualifying as a team to the next trials. Under previous qualifying rules (for past Olympic Games), a top 12 finish at World Championships would've qualified the team to London. Under new rules for the 2012 Olympics, only the top 8 teams qualified directly from these World Championships to the Olympics. The remaining four team berths will be selected at the Olympic Test Event, in January 2012. 

Canada's men's team experienced a similar fate, finishing 12th and qualifying to the Olympic Test Event. 

Individually, only two gymnasts advanced past prelims. Peng Peng Lee finished 19th in the women's all-around. Nathan Gafuik was one of two reserves called to the men's all-around, after Romania's Marian Dragulescu and Puerto Rico's Luis Rivera's withdrew. Gafuik finished 23rd all-around.

The brightest spot was perhaps Mikaela Gerber, originally named alternate despite winning the combined Days 1 and 2 of World Team Trials. She hit every routine during those trials, and at every mock competition leading up to Worlds. A spot on the team should never have been denied, and after podium training was bumped up to a competitive spot. She hit all three of the routines called upon to compete. An easily achievable 12.266 would've seen her finish as the second ranked Canadian had she been given the opportunity to compete in the bars lineup.

The teams consisted of:
WAG: Peng Peng Lee, Mikaela Gerber, Kristina Vaculik, Maddie Gardiner, and Coralie Leblond-Chartrand. Alternate: Talia Chiarelli.
MAG: Nathan Gafuik, Brandon O’Neill, Casey Sandy, Jackson Payne, Kenji Ikeda, and Kevin Lytwyn. Alternate: Jayd Lukenchuk.

Links: Results | Official Worlds Website | FIG: 2011 Worlds micro-site
Video: 2011 World Championships

Please if you've got video of the Canadian men from prelims you'd be willing to share!

 

SEPTEMBER 29 - PREPARATIONS ONGOING FOR WORLDS

Both the men's and women's team are now in Japan, preparing for the start of World Championships. Videos from a recent intra-squad can be found at http://www.youtube.com/user/Gymfan181#p/u

Further, the WAG team has put together their own YouTube channel:
http://www.youtube.com/user/Canadianworldsteam11#p/u


SEPTEMBER 25 - INT'L JAPAN JUNIOR

Two bronzes today for Canadians, at the conclusion of the International Japan Junior. Maegan Chant placed third on vault, and Jordyn Pedersen finished third on beam.

http://www.youtube.com/user/Canadianworldsteam11#p/u

Full results: Apparatus finals


SEPTEMBER 24 - INT'L JAPAN JUNIOR

Canadians Maegan Chant and Jordyn Pedersen placed 4th and 7th AA, respectively, at the 2011 International Japan Juniors. Both will advance to all four apparatus finals tomorrow.

In the men's event, Canadians Simon Porter and Mathieu Csukassy placed 9th and 23rd AA, respectively. 

The competition venue is the Yokohama Cultural Gymnasium, built to host the 1964 Olympic volleyball competitions.

Full results: WAG, MAG

SEPTEMBER 23 - COLUSSI-PELAEZ MAKES SPAIN'S WORLD TEAM

Silvia Colussi-Pelaez has earned a spot on Spain's team for the upcoming World Championships, in Tokyo, Japan.

Paula Vargas
Ainhoa Carmona
Beatriz Cuesta
Claudia Menéndez
Silvia Colussi-Pelaez
Ana María Izurieta

A second Canadian was vying for a spot on a non-Canadian Worlds team; Sadly for Jessica Dowling, she fell short in her bid to make the Netherlands' team. She is the non-traveling alternate.

SEPTEMBER 22 - WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS ON CBC

Be sure to watch World Championships on CBC!

October 1 - Rhythmic World Championships AA
October 2 - Rhythmic World Championships Group
October 15 - Artistic World Championships: Prelims, TF, AA
October 22 - Artistic World Championships: EF


SEPTEMBER 17 - SPORTS DAY IN CANADA

Sports Day in Canada was celebrated today, with demonstration from grassroots to high performance. Gymnastics Canada hosted a trampoline demonstration from Toronto, covered on (and available archived on) CBC Sports online. Kyle Shewfelt and fellow gold medallists took part in an athletes discussion moderated by CBC's Scott Russell.


SEPTEMBER 11 - GRAVES A TRIPLE MEDALLIST AT COMMONWEALTH YOUTH GAMES EF

Curtis Graves had a fantastic day at the apparatus finals, today at the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games. He competed three events, medalling on all. Following bronzes on rings and pbars he advanced to the high bar, where he tied for first. With tie-breaking rules, he settled for the silver.

Kal Nemier also medalled, finishing third on high bar. He also placed 5th on rings. Zachary Clay competed four events, finishing just out of the medals.

Zachary Clay: 4th floor, 4th pommels, 5th vault, 4th pbars (tie)
Kal Nemier: 5th rings, 3rd high bar)
Curtis Graves: 3rd rings, 3rd pbars, 2nd high bar

Links: Official Results


SEPTEMBER 10 - NEMIER FINISHES 5TH AT COMMONWEALTH YOUTH GAMES

Kal Nemier placed 5th in today's all-around at the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games. Zachary Clay slipped to 7th place, having qualified in third position.

Competition concludes tomorrow with the apparatus finals. There are Canadians in all six events, with all three competing at least two: Clay (floor, pommels, vault, pbars), Nemier (rings, high bar) and Curtis Graves (rings, pbars, high bar).

Links: Official Results


SEPTEMBER 9 - CANADA WINS SILVER AT COMMONWEALTH YOUTH GAMES

Canada won the silver at today's Commonwealth Youth Games on the Isle of Man, in the United Kingdom. England took gold, and Australia bronze.

Leading today's team was Zachary Clay, who placed third all-around. Rounding out the team was Kal Nemier and Curtis Graves. Clay and Nemier advance to tomorrow's all-around competition. Competition concludes Sunday, with the apparatus finals.

A multi-sport event, more than 1,000 athletes have descended upon the Isle of Man. In gymnastics, the event is open to boys aged 14 to 18, and girls aged 13-15. Canada did not field a WAG team. 

These are the fourth Commonwealth Youth Games, and the first time held on the Isle of Man.

Links: Official Results


SEPTEMBER 1 - SAVONA RECOVERING FROM ACL RECONSTRUCTION

A pre-Worlds tune-up proved devastating for Jessica Savona. Competing at the Japan Cup in early July, she tore her ACL (her "good" knee) on vault. She endured ACL reconstruction on August 12, and recently spoke with IG about rehab and her hope of returning to gymnastics quickly 

The Physiotherapist "is saying that the recovery on the left knee is a lot better than my right, and my left knee seems to be healing a lot faster with more progress than what was seen with my right," Savona told IG. "Therefore, he and I believe that I will hopefully be back sooner than expected, without forcing anything, and pushing my knee to its limits, of course."

Savona hopes to be ready to compete at Elite Canada, next scheduled for February 2012.

Read the full interview...


AUGUST 31 - MEN'S WORLDS TEAM NAMED

No surprises for Canada's men's team:

Nathan Gafuik
Brandon O’Neill
Jayd Lukenchuk
Jackson Payne
Casey Sandy
Kenji Ikeda
Kevin Lytwyn


AUGUST 30 - HIGHLIGHTS FROM WORLD TEAM TRIALS

Gymnastics Canada introduces the 2011 Worlds Team:


AUGUST 28 - WOMEN'S WORLDS TEAM NAMED

Following the conclusion of two days of trials, Canada's women's team for the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo, Japan has been named:

Talia Chiarelli
Madeline Gardiner
Mikaela Gerber
Coralie Leblond-Chartrand
Peng Peng Lee
Dominique Pegg
Kristina Vaculik

These seven were the top 7 all-arounders, following two days of competition. All seven are expected to travel to Tokyo, where six will compete and one designated the alternate.

Lee won the first day of trials, and Pegg the second. Gerber was the only athlete to hit 8-for-8 over the two days of competition, and posted the highest overall, combined score over the two days of competition. Quick hits from yesterday's trials are available on the All-Around message board.

Two of the girls showed up to prom wearing the same dress, so to speak; Vaculik and Lee are using the same tango, albeit played by different artists/instruments.

A surprise omission from the team is Bianca Dancose-Giambattisto, who's shown great improvement since last year's World Championships. Rounding out the competitors at these Trials were Brittany Rogers and Anysia Unick, both of whom are struggling in their return from injury. 

The top 8 teams in Tokyo gain team berths to next year's Olympic Games, in London. The final four team berths will be determined in January, at the Olympic Test Event (held at the Olympic venue, the O2). Athletes born in 1996 (such as Victoria Moors, Sabrina Gill, Natalie Vaculik, etc.), though not eligible for this year's Worlds, will be able to vie for spots on the team heading to the Test Event. 

Videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/unclemooney#p/u


AUGUST 20 - GYMN.CA INTERVIEW: SKY CORBETT-METHOT FINDS SUCCESS IN NEW SPORT

There comes a time when every gymnast needs to hang up the grips. Some retire, their bodies unable to cope with the rigorous demands. Others discover that their heart isn't in the sport anymore. A lucky few reach the ultimate goal of competing in an Olympic Games, or even medalling. 

A member of the Canadian National Gymnastics Team, Sky Corbett-Methot was forced to abandon the sport in 2009. In this Gymn.ca exclusive, she opens up about the heart break of injury and later finding success in a new sport!  

Continue to the full interview...

AUGUST 18 - COLUSSI-PELAEZ ON TRACK IN SPAIN

Silvia Colussi-Pelaez has earned a spot on Spain's team for an upcoming tri meet in England, featuring Spain, Portugal, and host nation Great Britain. A dual citizen (Canada/Spain), Silvia trains at Oakville Gymnastics in Ontario. This summer she opted to compete for Spain, after failing to meet Canada's qualification criteria for World Championships / Pan Am Games selection. The tri-meet competition takes place August 20-21, 2011.

Silvia isn't the only Canadian who's opted to compete elsewhere; Earlier this summer Jessica Dowling (also of Oakville Gymnastics) moved to the Netherlands, and stands a great chance of representing her mother's homeland at the upcoming 2011 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

Update (August 21): Spain surprised, scoring more than 11 points over their team score last year at the 2010 World Championships, and beating Great Britain. Individually, Silvia finished 6th in the AA and 5th on BB.


AUGUST 16 - GAFUIK WINS SECOND MEDAL AT UNIVERSIADE

 

Nathan Gafuik earned the silver medal in today's vault final. “It feels pretty good. It's not exactly the medal I wanted, but it'll do,” Gafuik told The Canadian Press. He also finished 7th on floor, 6th on parallel bars, and 4th on high bar. 

Gafuik and his teammates are returning back to Canada to train for the upcoming 2011 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

Results: Men's EF


AUGUST 15 - GAFUIK WINS CANADA'S FIRST MEDAL AT UNIVERSIADE

 

Nathan Gafuik earned the bronze medal in today's all-around competition, Canada's first medal of these Games! The honour was a surprise to Gafuik, "I had no idea that this was the first medal, but I hope it starts off a good games for Team Canada,” he told the Postmedia News. “It was a solid performance today, there was nothing that really stood out, I was just pleased that I stayed on every apparatus and on the high bar, which is a pretty stressful event, especially when it is last."

Casey Sandy also competed today, moving up four spots to finish 7th AA.

Competition concludes tomorrow with the apparatus finals, where Canada has more chances of medalling.

Results: Men's AA


AUGUST 14 - CANADA FINISHES FOURTH AT WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES

 

Nathan Gafuik led Team Canada to a fourth place finish (261.750) in competition today, at the World University Games in Shenzhen, China. Canada competed one teammate short, missing Kevin Lytwyn. Japan took the gold (269.200), followed by China (265.650) and Romania (264.650). 

Gafuik heads into tomorrow's competition a favourite, placing second all-around in today's qualifying round. Also advancing to tomorrow's all-around is Jackson Payne, who finished today's competition in 11th position.

Competition concludes Tuesday with the apparatus finals, where Canada has more chances of medalling.

Results: http://match.sz2011.org/pdf/GA/GAM499000/GAM499000.C73A.ENG.1.0.pdf


AUGUST 7 - GYMN.CA INTERVIEW: YVONNE TOUSEK

One of Canada's most successful gymnasts, Yvonne Tousek was perhaps also its most creative. Known the world over by her avant garde floor routines, she qualified to the floor finals at the 1999 World Championships - one of a small group of Canadians to advance to an individual apparatus final at World or Olympic competition. The two-time Olympian went on to a stellar NCAA career at UCLA, capturing three team titles and three individual titles at National Championships. 

Yvonne joined Cirque du Soleil shortly after graduating, and has traveled the world with the show. Gymn.ca caught up with Yvonne, performing in Valencia, Spain with Cirque, to discuss her passion for the sport.

Continue to the full interview...

AUGUST 3 - PAN AM GAMES DRAW

 

WAG:
Sub 1: Brazil, Canada and Cuba.
Sub 2: USA, Colombia, Mexico and Venezuela

MAG:
Sub 1: Colombia,
Canada, USA and Mexico
Sub 2: Puerto Rico, Brazil and Argentina

Link: 2011 Pan Am Games



AUGUST 1 - GYMN.CA INTERVIEW: PENG-PENG LEE    

Lee in the Qatari desert
Photos courtesy of Peng-Peng Lee for Gymn.ca

Even as a young Novice HP gymnast, Christine Peng-Peng Lee already had legions of fans the world over. There was a certain pizzazz about her gymnastics, and fans took note. In 2005 she traveled to Belgium for the prestigious Top Gym International, competing against eventual 2008 Olympic gold medallist Shawn Johnson. She returned home and had a banner year in 2006, winning the Novice division at Canadian Nationals and later Elite Canada (now as a junior). She continued to shine as a junior gymnast, winning medals at the 2007 Junior Pan Ams, Pan Ams, and home meets. 

One year too young to contend for a spot to the 2008 Olympics, Lee nevertheless proved herself to be on par with the seniors. Competing under a Canadian rule allowing juniors to compete domestically amongst seniors one year early, she finished 3rd AA at Canadian Nationals in the Olympic year, winning gold on beam and floor.

After the 2008 Beijing Olympics, long-time coach Carol-Angela Orchard left Canada to marry in England. Lee's other long-time coach, Brian McVey, debated a position in Central America, but chose to remain coaching Lee privately despite the closure of long-time gymnastics program Sport Seneca. Then, Lee was diagnosed with a serious back injury. Two years passed before Lee could return to the gym, and she choose to do so under the tutelage of Kelly Manjak and crew at Oakville Gymnastics. Her first meet back was nothing short of a bang - in December 2010 she claimed the senior women's Elite Canada title! 

Unfortunately, injury plagued Lee again just weeks prior to this year's Canadian Nationals leaving her status in question for this year's World Championships. In this exclusive, Gymn.ca caught up with Lee to discuss her continued dedication to the sport. Continue to the full interview...


JULY 31 - PEDERSEN AND CHANT TO JAPAN JUNIOR INTERNATIONAL

Jordyn Pedersen and Meagan Chant are slated to represent Canada at this year's Japan Junior International, one of the most prestigious meets for juniors.


JULY 29 - GYMN.CA INTERVIEW: DANCOSE-GIAMBATTISTO IMPRESSES  

Bianca performs at the 2010 Worlds

Earlier this month, Bianca Dancose-Giambattisto traveled to San Juan for the Puerto Rico Cup. Planning to compete only bars and beam, she arrived to find her senior teammates unable to compete. Unfazed, Bianca decided to compete the all-around, placing second. She went on to win 3 medals in the apparatus, continuing to show improved technique. 

Especially strong on bars and beam, she fills a niche roll amongst a team that is suddenly - and uncharacteristically for Canada! - strong on vault. But as Puerto Rico (and Canadian Nationals earlier this year) showed, she can also more than hold her own in all-around competition. She's a favourite heading into the selection camp for the World Championships team in Tokyo, Japan later this year.

In this exclusive, Gymn.ca talks to the 2010 World Championships veteran about gymnastics past, present, and future! Bianca also takes us outside the gym, showing us the desert in Qatar. 

Continue to the full interview...


JULY 27 - LONDON 2012: 1 YEAR AWAY!

One year from today, most people will be glued to the TV watching the opening ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympics. Gymnastics fans will be eagerly awaiting the start of tomorrow's qualification rounds. Will Canada be represented by a full team or by individuals? Who will move on to the individual all-around? the apparatus finals? 

3-time Olympian and gold medallist Kyle Shewfelt today published a blog, describing the excitement in an athlete's life in the pre-Olympic year. (Read: London Calling!)

Shewfelt will be at the London 2012, but not as an athlete. Yesterday, CTV announced their broadcasting line-up. Calling the excitement from London's O2 arena are Rod Black and Kyle Shewfelt!  He wrote a blog about that, too! (Read: I'm going to London with CTV!). You can watch CTV News' Sandie Rinaldo talk to Shewfelt about his new role: http://watch.ctv.ca/news/top-picks/london-2012/#clip507200

As the London 2012 approaches, I plan to bring you interviews with Canada's past Olympians - and hopeful Olympians! If you haven't read them already, I encourage you to catch up on recent interviews with Laura-Ann Chong (making a comeback after a successful NCAA career) and 2-time Worlds team member Charlotte Mackie (returning to gymnastics after a devastating foot injury).

JULY 23 - GYMN.CA INTERVIEW: CHECKING IN WITH CHARLOTTE MACKIE 

Photo courtesy of Grace Chiu

Last October, Charlotte Mackie competed in her second World Championships. Still adjusting to a new coach and new techniques, she competed just three apparatus in Rotterdam (sitting out bars). One of David Kenwright's first moves was to put Charlotte in grips, and start reworking her bar technique.

Historically, most World team members are given a bye from competing at Elite Canada, their carding and eligibility secured. That year, with Elite Canada ranked so much higher than World Championships, Charlotte's attendance and performance at Elite Canada were crucial for carding points. She impressed with a third place finish in the all-around, and posted the second highest score on vault and top 5 on bars - not bad, for an apparatus she didn't even compete two months prior!

Everything changed on her last apparatus, vault. Her all-around tally secured from her first vault, Charlotte went for a second vault, to qualify for apparatus finals. She suffered a horrific crash - one that has taken her out of competition, ever since.

In this exclusive, Gymn.ca asks the question many fans are wondering, "Is Charlotte coming back to Gymnastics?" 

Continue to the full interview...


JULY 22 - CANADIANS COMPETING AT UNIVERSIADE

 

Canada is sending 7 gymnasts to the upcoming World University Games (Universiade) in Shenzhen, China. The Summer Universiade is an international multi-sport event that takes place every two years. Participants must be between the pages of 17 and 28 (as of January 1 in the year of the Games) and be full-time students at a post-secondary institution (university, college, CEGEP) or have graduated from a post-secondary institution in the year preceding the event.

Representing Canada's men's team are:

Casey Sandy (Seneca College)
Nathan Gafuik (Athabasca University)
Jayd Lukenchuk (University of Saskatchewan)
Kevin Lytwyn (McMaster University)
Jackson Payne (Athabasca University)

Canada is fielding two rhythmic gymnasts:

Kelsey Anderson (Okanagan College)
Jessica Ho (University of British Columbia)

The artistic gymnastics competition run Aug. 13-16, while rhythmic gymnastics is contested Aug. 20-22. Women's Artistic Gymnastics is also contested at the World University Games, however Canada is not fielding anyone in this category.

Links: 2011 Summer Universiade website | Team Canada website


JULY 20 - FORMER GYMNAST LAUNCHES MOBILE GYM, WINNING BUSINESS AWARD

Kara Hachey dreamed up the idea for a mobile gymnastics club while studying for her MBA at UNB. Five years later, Go-Go Gymnastics employs over 95 people. Its success won her the New Brunswick Young Entrepreneur Award from the Canadian Business Development Corp.

Link: http://dailygleaner.canadaeast.com/front/article/1424986


JULY 15 - NEW VIDEO: PEGG'S DOUBLE LAYOUT! 

 

Dominique Pegg scored 14.00 on floor at the Tokyo Cup, debuting a double layout. The choreography is Russian Irina Milogradova, currently living in Ohio. Watch Pegg's upgraded floor routine!

Many other Canadian routines are being uploaded to this YouTube Channel, including:
- Dominique Pegg's VT, UB, BB
- Talia Chiarelli's VT
...with more to come, hopefully!


JULY 9 - DANCOSE-GIAMBATTISTO AND VACULIK WIN GOLD IN PUERTO RICO; MORGAN ADDS SILVER

 

Bianca Dancose-Giambattisto added a second gold to her collection, winning beam today in Puerto Rico. She also participated in the floor apparatus final, capping off her competition with a bronze medal. 

Natalie Vaculik made the most of her lone appearance in the apparatus finals, winning junior beam. Victoria Moors took bronze on junior floor. 

Today's medals tie Moors and Dancose-Giambattisto as the most decorated Canadians at weekend's Puerto Rico Cup. Each leave with five medals.

Scott Morgan claimed his second medal of the competition today, a silver on vault. He leaves Puerto Rico as Canada's lone medallist on the men's side.

Link: Results | Video of Dancose-Giambattisto's BB


JULY 9 - DANCOSE-GIAMBATTISTO AND MOORS WIN GOLD IN PUERTO RICO; MORGAN SCORES CANADA'S FIRST MEN'S MEDAL

 

Bianca Dancose-Giambattisto and Victoria Moors both captured gold today in Puerto Rico. Dancose-Giambattisto scored 13.575 to claim senior bars, while Victoria Moors posted a 14.275 to take the junior vault title and a 13.725 to take the junior bars title.

Scott Morgan claimed a medal on the men's side, taking bronze on floor (15.00). He also competed rings, finishing 8th (13.950).

Anderson Loren placed 7th on the floor (13.875), and 4th on pommels (13.800). Jayson Scott placed 6th on pommels (12.225). 

Competition concludes tomorrow, with the second half of the apparatus finals.

Link: Results


JULY 8 - MORGAN LEADS CANADIAN MEN IN PUERTO RICO

 

Team Canada finished fifth today in Puerto Rico, with Scott Morgan continuing to impress as an event specialist. He competed three events, placing in the top 10 on all: FX final (15.10), rings (14.75), and vault (15.90). Morgan advances to the floor final ranked third.

Canada's all-around results:

Jayson Scott - 7th AA  
Anderson Loren
- 11th AA
Tariq Dowers - 12th AA
Hugh Smith - 17th AA
Robert Watson - 18th AA

Link: Results


JULY 8 - DANCOSE-GIAMBATTISTO AND MOORS LEAD CANADA IN PUERTO RICO

 

Bianca Dancose-Giambattisto and Victoria Moors were Canada's star performers today in Puerto Rico. 

Dancose-Giambattisto finished second in the senior all-around (52.766), to Jessica Gil of Columbia (53.299). She also advances to three of four apparatus finals (bars, beam, and floor). 

In junior competition, Canada (108.798) finished second to Argentina (109.530). Leading the way was Victoria Moors (54.165), who finished third in the all-around to Argentina's Valeria Pereida (54.998) and Natalia Calcagno (54.398). Moors also qualified to three apparatus finals (vault, bars, and floor).

Rounding out team Canada's juniors was Sabrina Gill (4th AA; 53.566) and Natalie Vaculik (7th AA; 50.366). Vaculik advances to the beam final.

Qualifying to the women's event finals (or so it appears) are the top four in each of the junior and senior categories, one per country for age division. Canadians advancing in their competition are:

Vault: Victoria Moors
Bars: Bianca Dancose-Giambattisto, Victoria Moors
Beam: Bianca Dancose-Giambattisto, Natalie Vaculik 
Floor: Bianca Dancose-Giambattisto, Victoria Moors

The senior competition appears to have been a bust for Canada. Scheduled to join Dancose-Giambattisto today in competition were Brittany Rogers (who registered only one score, a 8.500, presumably for an incomplete routine on bars) and Bianca Jordaan (scratched from competition with an injured knee).

Link: Results


JULY 6 - INTERVIEW WITH EMMA SIBSON

 
Photo courtesy of Ruth Judson

The Gymnastics Examiner recently interviewed Emma Sibson, a contender for Canada's 2012 Olympic team. Sibson talks about an injury to her tibia that hampered her performance at Canadian Nationals in May, training in Texas (formerly of WOGA, now at Zenith Elite), and upcoming skills. Hint: She's training Yurchenko 2.5 (Amanar) and Rudi vaults!

Sibson had been hoping to make Canada's team for the Pan Am Games, scheduled on the heels of World Championships in October. With the timing, it is likely that most teams will send two different (or nearly different) teams to the events. Unfortunately, Sibson was not invited to participate in this summer's training camp and selection for Worlds and Pan Am Games, having finished 21st in the all-around at Canadian Nationals - yet, second on vault! 

Read the full Gymnastics Examiner interview!

Links: Emma's Official Website | Videos

JULY 6 - DRAW FOR 2011 TOKYO WORLDS 

 

Canada's men compete in subdivision 7, starting on rings and ending on pommels. Canada's women start on beam, and end on vault. 

MAG

  • Subdivision 1: USA, Puerto Rico, Japan, Portugal & 2 mixed groups
  • Subdivision 2: Ukraine, Switzerland, Romania & 3 mixed groups
  • Subdivision 3: Netherlands, Brazil, Italy & 3 mixed groups
  • Subdivision 4: Spain, Great Britain, Kazakhstan & 3 mixed groups
  • Subdivision 5: Germany, Uzbekistan, Hungary & 3 mixed groups
  • Subdivision 6: France, Columbia & 4 mixed groups
  • Subdivision 7: Canada, Australia, Russia & 3 mixed groups
  • Subdivision 8: China, South Korea, Belarus & 3 mixed groups

WAG

  • Subdivision 1: Mexico & 3 mixed groups
  • Subdivision 2:Venezuela, Romania & 3 mixed groups
  • Subdivision 3:Australia & 3 mixed groups
  • Subdivision 4: Canada, Greece & 2 mixed groups
  • Subdivision 5: Uzbekistan, Netherlands & 2 mixed groups
  • Subdivision 6: South Korea, China, Slovakia & 1 mixed group
  • Subdivision 7: Brasil, USA, Germany & 1 mixed group
  • Subdivision 8: Russia, Belgium, Switzerland & 1 mixed group
  • Subdivision 9: Spain, Hungary, Ukraine & Italy
  • Subdivision 10: Great Britain, Japan, France & 1 mixed group

JULY 3 - PEGG FINISHES 7TH AT JAPAN CUP

 

Dominique Pegg finished 7th AA at today's Japan Cup, the strongest finish amongst Canadians competing today. She posted the second strongest vault score of the competition, and third best on floor.

Jayd Lukenchuk finished 9th in the men's AA, and Jackson Payne 12th AA.

Jessica Savona injured her knee in the first rotation, on vault, and withdrew from competition.

Results: WAG AA | MAG AA


JULY 2 - CANADIANS TAKE BRONZE AT JAPAN CUP

 
Photo courtesy of Bluewater Gymnastics
 

Canada's women took bronze today, at the 2011 Japan Cup. China topped the competition (171.050), with the host Japan finishing second (167.800).

Canada's men's team finished fifth today (259.950), with Japan taking first (268.150). The USA finished second (267.250), and Great Britain (263.500) besting China for bronze (267.250).

The Japanese Gymnastics Association stated a double objective for the competition: A test event for October's World Championships (slated for the same venue) and a return to normalcy after the earthquake and tsunami in March and ongoing radiation fears. For many teams, the competition also presented an opportunity to see how they're stacking up to competition for the all-important Olympic qualifications in October and January.

To qualify a full team to London 2012, a country must finish in the top 8 after prelims at October's World Championships. Those who fall short advance to a second Olympic qualifier, the London Test Event. Here, the top four teams will qualify to London. (In addition, both meets present opportunities for all-arounders and event specialists to qualify).

Today's competition is a boost for both Canadian teams. On the women's side, three posted scores above 14: Jessica Savona led the way with a 14.45 on vault, closely followed by Talia Chiarelli with a 14.40 on the same apparatus. Dominique Pegg scored 14.00 on floor, debuting a double layout (update: Watch Pegg's FX!).

Canada also finished the 5-3-3 format competition comfortably ahead of Australia, a country which has consistently placed higher than Canada in recent World and Olympic competitions. Although Australia was forced to make two substitutions to its lineup last week, Canada was also without its strongest team. Age-eligible for this meet, but competing instead at next week's Puerto Rico Cup is Bianca Dancose-Giambattisto. Canada struggled here on beam, one of Bianca's strongest events.

Good news on the men's side, as well; Canada finished ahead of France and Korea, two countries that finished ahead of Canada in last year's team prelims. 

Jayd Lukenchuk posted Canada's top score today, a 15.70 on vault.

Advancing to tomorrow's AA competitions are Dominique Pegg, Jessica Savona, Jayd Lukenchuk, and Jackson Payne.

Results: WAG Team | MAG Team
Start orders: WAG Team | WAG AA | MAG Team | MAG AA 
Video: 

Photos courtesy of Bluewater Gymnastics

 

 

 

 


JUNE 22 - GYMN.CA INTERVIEW: CHONG AIMING FOR LONDON 2012

 
Photo courtesy of Stoddard Reynolds

Earlier this month, Laura-Ann Chong graduated from Oregon State University. She competed four years of NCAA at OSU, and served as the student-assistant coach in her fifth year. During this year, the team became the 2011 PAC-10 Conference Champions, Regional Champions, and placed 8th at the NCAA Championships.

Chong recently sat down with Gymn.ca to discuss her comeback. Here's a snippet from the full interview: 

...Returning to elite had been in my head throughout my entire junior and senior year at Oregon State. However, I knew I wanted to try to focus on other things as well so after my senior year, I took the year to really invest in my academic efforts and pursue the requirements to get into a graduate program for physical therapy. Something was still burning though and after much deliberation, I decided to go for it. Right now, I'm really trying to get my timing & awareness, and strength & flexibility back. As any gymnasts knows, any time off of gym is detrimental to your abilities so taking a complete year off is definitely challenging. My long term goal is to be ready to compete at Elite Canada in December. I am focusing only on bars, beam, and floor, instead of the all-around as I haven't done any vaulting since the middle of my freshman year.

Continue to the full interview...

Links: OSU Player Bio | Official website


JUNE 21 - DOWLING QUALIFIES TO DUTCH WORLDS SELECTION SQUAD

 

Jessica Dowling of Oakville Gymnastics placed 4th AA at last weekend's Dutch National Championships, and took bronze on bars. Following the competition, Dowling was named to the 11-member selection squad for the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo, Japan. She plans to stay in Holland to train over the summer. In her spare time she will continue her coursework via distance learning.

The Canadian selection process for World Championships required participation at last year's Elite Canada, a meet that Dowling was unable to compete due to injury. The Dowlings then turned to the Dutch Federation. By virtue of her Dutch-born mother, Jessica is a dual-citizen.

Dutch Women’s Training Squad
1. Céline van Gerner (TSH Heerenveen)
2. Joy Goedkoop (TSH Heerenveen)
3. Jessica Dowling (TSH Heerenveen)
4. Marlies Rijken (O&O Zwijndrecht / CTO Heerenveen)
5. Wyomi Masela (Bosan TON Oldenzaal)
6. Yvette Moshage (Bosan TON Oldenzaal)
7. Sanne Wevers (Bosan TON Oldenzaal)
8. Lieke Wevers (Bosan TON Oldenzaal)
9. Melissa Scherpenisse (Bosan TON Oldenzaal)
10. Dianne Teunisse (Pro Patria Zoetermeer)
11. Tess Moonen (Pro Patria Zoetermeer)

The Dutch will name six to the team, plus one traveling alternate. Last year they placed 9th as a team. Canada finished 14th.

Link: Interview with Dutch TV (NOS)


JUNE 19 - GRANT GOLDING TAKES THE STAGE AT EMMY'S

2008 Olympian Grant Golding and fellow cast members of Cirque du Soleil's Viva ELVIS show opened the 38th Annual Daytime Entertainment Emmy Awards held today in Las Vegas.

Watch the Performance!



JUNE 17 - IG: VACULIK SHIFTS ATTENTION FROM ACADEMICS TO OLYMPICS

International Gymnast recently interviewed Kristina Vaculik, who is taking a year off from studies and NCAA competition at Stanford to pursue her Olympic dreams. 

Vaculik was a strong contender for one of Canada's two berths at the 2008 Olympic Games, but fell short in the controversial points process used to name the two Olympians. During this time her elbow flared up, and she was later diagnosed with osteochondritis dissecans. She spent six months rehabbing after surgery in December 2008.

Vaculik enrolled at Stanford last fall, but took a short break from first term to compete at the 2010 World Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands. She struggled in Rotterdam, after falling during podium training. As was always her intent, she is now taking a year off school to train for the 2011 World Championships, one of two qualifiers for the 2012 Olympics.

The top 8 teams from the upcoming Worlds in Tokyo will qualify full teams to the next Olympics. In January, teams will vie for the remaining spots, 9-12. 

Vaculik briefed IG on her plan:

My focal points will be increasing the level of difficulty on some events and performing my routines with precision and consistency. I will focus on training and preparing for the world championships (in October) and the Olympics next year. My plan is to show clean and consistent routines at the world trials in August.

Link: International Gymnast interview


JUNE 15 - IG: PAYNE HEADS TOWARD POTENTIAL

International Gymnast recently interviewed 2011 Canadian all-around champion Jackson Payne on his win in PEI. Payne says he's still got room for improvement:

I still thought I didn't compete to my fullest potential. My parallel bars, rings and high bar weren't the best routines I have done, plus my vault needs some upgrading. I still am able to score higher on those than what I did, but all in all, I am happy that I came out of the week with only one fall. I was pretty satisfied with my pommel and floor routines. I know that I can be an important contributor for the team on pommel horse, so I know that I need to hit it in every competition.

Payne also spoke of his recent training in China:

The trip was very beneficial. It opened my eyes to really see how strong China is. They have lots of athletes that can compete for their country at the World Championships and the Olympics. So that showed us that we, being a smaller team, have to make sure our guys are ready for every competition we enter.

Link: International Gymnast interview


JUNE 15 - SUPER YOUTH HERO LEADERSHIP SUMMIT WITH KYLE SHEWFELT

 

Olympians Jayson Krause (Bobsleigh) and Kyle Shewfelt (Gymnastics) deliver the Super Hero Strategy, packed into a dynamic weekend summit that is a must for anyone between the ages of 16-19 years old.

The inaugural 'Youth Super Hero Leadership Summit' happens in Calgary at the University of Calgary, from July 22nd - July 24th! Jayson and Kyle created this 3 day Summit to inspire the next generation of leaders to take ownership of their excellence and to make an even bigger impact in the world. They have specifically designed the weekend to encourage lasting change and to inspire elevation. The goal is to provide tools, support and an experience in which participants are ridiculously motivated to drive their missions to the next level.

The weekend will be filled with dynamic activities, daring challenges and intense self-reflection. X-ray vision will be placed on:

Mission (A powerful, resonating and value driven purpose)
Super Powers (unique traits that make you awesome!)
Super chargers (things that help you maintain balance)
Clutter (the things that get in your way)
Villains (The things you tell yourself that prevent you from success)
Kryptonite (Outside factors suck your energy)
Rituals (developing habits for success)
Super Structure (Putting it all together in a plan of action!)

They'll also be providing (2) follow up coaching sessions for each participant to encourage continued growth after the weekend is complete.

Links: Website| Poster


JUNE 13 - PUERTO RICAN CUP TEAM ANNOUNCED

 

July is a busy month for Canada's gymnast. In addition to the Japan Cup, gymnasts will be competing at Puerto Rico's Cup. Slated to represent Canada's women's team in Mayaguez:

Seniors:
Bianca Dancose-Giambattisto
Bianca Jordaan
Brittany Rogers

Juniors:
Sabrina Gill
Victoria Moors
Natalie Vaculik

Canada is also fielding a full men's team to face off with the Puerto Rican men's team, who finished a surprise 12th at last year's World Championships. Canada is looking to move up two spots, to qualify a full team to the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Competition is 6-5-4, same as qualifications at World Championships.


JUNE 13 - CAMBRIDGE LOOKING FOR WAG COMPETITIVE COACH

Cambridge Kips is looking for a Women's competitive coach.


JUNE 8 - ELVIRA SAADI STARTS HER OWN GYM

Elvira Saadi submitted a letter of resignation Friday. She is leaving Cambridge Kips to open her own gymnastics club, also in Cambridge. The new club, Dynamo Gymnastics, is set to open later this summer. It's a collaboration between Saadi and partners Chris Moors and Lisa Rutledge, parents of gymnasts Victoria and Brooklyn Moors. 

"...I’m leaving so my dream can come true," Saadi told local Cambridge Times. "I have to tell you it’s not easy. For 18 years I put all my heart into the Kips and I really enjoyed it there. We worked together and we produced gymnasts,” she said.

Saadi and many of her competitive athletes are temporarily training at Revolution Gymnastics in Waterloo, waiting for the new gym to open.


JUNE 8 - JAPAN CUP TEAMS NAMED

 

Canada is sending full teams to the Japan Cup, slated for Tokyo in early July in the same venue set to host World Championships in October. The women's team consists of Madeline Gardiner, Dominique Pegg, Talia Chiarelli, Jessica Savona, and Coralie Leblond-Chartrand. The men's team consists of Ken Ikeda, Nathan Gafuik, Jackson Payne, Brandon O'Neill, and Jayd Lukenchuk. Kevin Lytwyn and Casey Sandy will travel to Japan and train with their teammates at the Japanese National Training Center leading up to the competition.

Competition is 5-3-3, same as team finals for London 2012.


JUNE 2 - ASF SEEKING COACH

ASF is looking for a Pre Competitive/OCP Coach level two certified coach.


JUNE 2 - VIDEOS FROM CANADIAN NATIONALS

Videos from PEI continue to load at Gymn.ca's YouTube channel


MAY 31 - AGE MINIMUM RAISED FOR PAN AM GAMES

 

Gymnastics has been dealt another blow; At the FIG's request, the age minimum for October's Pan Am Games (Gaudalajara, Mexico) will be raised from 14 to 16. Many nations were earmarking the event to give 1996 born girls experience competing at a Major Games, on podium. 

The Games also follow on the heals of this year's World Championships, making it difficult to field the same athletes to both events. Australia seemed to master back-to-back competitions last year, fielding the near identical teams to both Commonwealth Games and World Championships, but peaking difficult.

MAY 31 - WATCH CANADIAN NATIONALS ONLINE

 

Missed CBC's broadcast of the Canadian Gymnastics Championships Saturday? You're in luck! Coverage of the apparatus finals can be streamed online at CBC Sports.

MAY 30 - CANADIAN NATIONAL CHAMPIONS IN PEI

Apologies for the lack of updates during the recent Canadian Gymnastics Championships. I was traveling abroad, with no Internet access. News and Commentary is available at:

2011 Canadian Gymnastics Championships blog
Gymnastics Coaching

Gymnastics Examiner

Senior medallists at this year's Nationals include:

Senior Men's AA:
1. Jackson Payne
2. Hugh Smith
3. Casey Sandy
Senior Women's AA:
1. Madeline Gardiner
2. Jessica Savona
3. Bianca Dancose-Giambattisto
Senior Men's EF:

Floor: 
1. Jackson Payne
2. Scott Morgan
3. Brandon O’Neill

Pommel horse: 
1. Jackson Payne
3T. Casey Sandy 
3T. Anderson Loran

Rings: 
1. Scott Morgan
2. Kevin Lytwyn
3. Tariq Dowers

Vault: 
1. Hugh Smith
2. Jayd Lukenchuk
3. Scott Morgan

Parallel bars: 
1. Brandon O’Neill
2. Ken Ikeda
3. Jackson Payne

High bar: 
1. Casey Sandy
2. Matthieu Csukassy
3. Jackson Payne
Senior Women's EF:

Vault: 
1. Bianca Jordaan
2. Emma Sibson
3. Gabrielle May

Bars: 
1. Bianca Dancose-Giambattisto
2. Dominique Pegg
3. Coralie Leblond-Chartrand

Beam: 
1. Jessica Savona 
2. Madeline Gardiner
3. Bianca Jordaan

Floor: 
1. Jessica Savona
2. Dominique Pegg
3. Talia Chiarelli

For full results, please visit:
http://gym-score-depot.ca/Natls_2011/

Videos:
Gymn.ca's YouTube channel

GymnasticsCanada's YouTube channel


MAY 30 - DOWLING TO NETHERLANDS? COLUSSI-PELAEZ TO SPAIN?

Jessica Dowling and Silvia Colussi-Pelaez both have dual citizenship, and are considering trying to make their other country's national gymnastics teams. Dowling recently traveled to the Netherlands to train, and Silvia has been invited to try-out by the Spanish National Gymnastics Federation.


MAY 30 - SITES FOR NEXT QUAD'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS ANNOUNCED

 

The FIG has announced the host cities for World Championships next quad:

2013 - Antwerp, Belgium
2014 - TBA (rumoured to be Nanning, China)
2015 - Glasgow, Scotland

Glasgow, Scotland is also the host of the 2014 Commonwealth Games.


MAY 30 - TI LIU TO UCLA

Ti Liu of Club Gymnix is reportedly heading to UCLA as a walk-on. 


MAY 30 - REVOLUTIONS GYMNASTICS SEEKING COACH

Revolutions Gymnastics is seeking coaches. Click here for more details.


MAY 11 - MISSISSAUGA SEEKING COACH

Gymnastics Mississauga is seeking a WAG Pre-Comp coach. Click here for more details.


MAY 5 - CHAMPIONS SEEKS COACH

Champions Gymnastics is seeking a full time coach for its women's developmental/competitive program. Click here for more details.


MAY 5 - CANADIAN MEN COMPETING AT CHINESE NATIONALS

Canada's top team is in China for a training camp, and will compete as guests (hors de concours) at this weekend's China National Championships. "We are, of course, very excited and honored to be the first foreign team in history to be invited to participate in the Chinese championships," Gymnastics Canada Men's Program Director Jeff Thomson told IG

The team in China includes Nathan Gafuik, Ken Ikeda, Brandon O'Neill, Casey Sandy, Kevin Lytwyn, Jayd Lukenchuk, Jackson Payne and Jason Scott

After China, Gafuik heads to Moscow for a World Cup stop. Next on the calendar are the Canadian National Championships, which take place in Charlottetown, PEI in two and a half weeks. CBC will be airing same day coverage of the apparatus finals from Charlottetown, on May 28.

APRIL 28 - BURLINGTON SEEKING COACH

Burlington Gymnastics is seeking an NCCP Level 2 certified coach. Click here for more details.

APRIL 23 - TUMBLERS SEEKING COACHES

Tumblers Gymnastics is seeking coaches: Pre Comp coach & Provincial coach.

APRIL 14 - REVOLUTIONS GYMNASTICS SEEKING COACH

Revolutions Gymnastics is seeking an NCCP Level 2 certified coach. Click here for more details.

APRIL 8 - WATCH BC CHAMPIONSHIPS LIVE

BC Gymnastics and Langley Events Centre is providing a free webcast this weekend at BC Championships!
http://www.langleyeventscentre.com/

Update! (April 14, 2011): DVDs are available for sale, only $10 per session!

APRIL 1 - LEE IMPRESSES IN DOHA

 

Christine Lee continues her impressive comeback, qualifying to three finals at the Doha World Cup in Qatar. She ended up placing 5th on both bars and beam, and 6th on beam.

Madeline Gardiner was also slated to compete in Doha World Cup, but was forced to withdraw due to injury.

Videos: Lee on beam | floor
Results: http://gymnasticsresults.com/2011/as/qat/doha.html


MARCH 27 - TEAM CANADA TAKES WILD ROSE

Team Canada surprised in Edmonton this weekend, besting guests from China who settled for silver. Despite fielding their strongest gymnasts to Team Canada 1 (Jessica Savona, Sabrina Gill, and Mikaela Gerber), Oakville Gymnasts was able to draw on their depth and field a second team (Krishna Yemeni, Bianca Jordan, and Silvia Colussi-Pelaesz) who surprised by finishing third ahead of Team Canada 2 (2010 Worlds team member Bianca Dancose-Giambattisto, Commonwealth Games team member and University of Arizona-bound Kristin Klarenbach, and Dominique Pegg who's coming back from injury).

Headlining the team from China was 2008 Olympic gold medallist Jiang Yuyuan, who was joined by newcomers Shang Chunsong and Huang Huidan. Jiang had a surprisingly "off" day, qualifying to a lone apparatus final. The performance spelled disaster for team China, who actually entered Jiang and Huang as Team China (in a 3-3-2 format) and Shang as an individual competitor. With only two per team eligible to advance to each apparatus final, the China banked on being able to field all three girls to each final if one competed as an individual. 

The strategy failed, with Shang Chunsong outperforming her teammates and winning the all-around. Had she been tagged officially as Team China, her scores would have counted on all four apparatus (Jiang on V and FX, and Huang on UB and BB) and China would have outscored Team Canada 1 to take the gold. This isn't exactly new territory for Jiang, who looked well past her prime for much of 2010 but came back to take silver in the all-around behind Russia's Aliya Mustafina. Don't rule her out! She has a excellent new floor routine, and China would've have invested in a new routine for her if they lacked faith.

Another who fell victim to the apparatus qualifications was Mikaela Gerber, whose dramatic floor routine placed fourth in prelims but behind Team Canada 1 teammates. She sat on the sidelines, watching fellow Canadians (but not Team Canada 1 gymnasts) who scored more than a half point lower in prelims advance. Teammate Sabrina Gill also impresses on floor, with choreography and presentation.

Australia fielded two teams, but both threw away their competitions early on with dismal performances on vault and bars. Most promising is Katie Wurth, who finished 5th AA and ws one of only two Aussies to advance to the apparatus finals. Wurth impressed with her poise, despite a visibly sore back, particular on floor (which is said to have been choreographed by former Australian great Dasha Joura). World team member Emily Little grabbed Australia's lone medal of the competition, a silver on beam.

The apparatus finals saw four different gold medallists: Sarah Flett (Vault), Bianca Dancose-Giambattisto (Bars), Shang Chunsong (Beam), and Jessica Savona (Floor). Dancose-Giambattisto shows tremendous improvement in form and attention to detail since competition six months ago, especially on bars and beam. Jessica Savona is doing the hardest tumbling of any Canadian WAG at the moment, opening with a piked double Arabian.  

In the junior category, Kaitlyn Hofland (52.017) won the all-around ahead of Natalie Vaculik (51.817) and Maegan Chant (51.25). No international guests competed, after Wales withdrew once several of their girls (including Angel Romaeo) received a GBR assignment to L'International Gymnix, held two weeks earlier. In the apparatus finals, Maegan Chant (trained by 1992 Romanian Olympian Cristina Bontas) topped on vault and floor, Natalie Vaculik posted top marks on bars, and Hailey Westney took beam.

Senior Team:
1. Team Canada 1 (Jessica Savona, Sabrina Gill, Mikaela Gerber)
2. China 
3. Oakville

Senior AA:
1. Shang Chunsong (CHN)
2. Jessica Savona (CAN)
3. Sabrina Gill (CAN)

Full results: http://www.wildrosegymnastics.com/webs/0002267/docs/WRElevenFinalResults.pdf

Videos are available on Gymn.ca's You Tube Channel.


MARCH 25 - CANADA TAKES TOP 2 SPOTS AT KSGF

 

Canada "Red" and Canada "White" surprised at the inaugural Kyle Shewfelt Gymnastics Festival (KSGF), besting guests from the USA and China. Competition tonight used the 4-3-3 format (four members to a team, three athletes up per apparatus, all three scores counting). 

Canada "Red" claimed the top team score, and consisted of Olympic veterans Nathan Gafuik and Brandon O'Neill, recent men's Elite Canada runner-up and 2007 Worlds team member and former NCAA Champion Casey Sandy, and relative newcomer Jason Scott

One of Canada's top all-arounders, Gafuik competed only 5 events tonight, skipping floor. Fellow Beijing Olympian O'Neill provided a spectacular return to competition tonight, scoring over 15 on the three events he competed. He also posted the top score of the night on his specialty, floor exercise (16.250).

Sandy posted the top all-around score amongst all Canadians, finishing third all-around. 

Canada "White" consisted of the newly crowned Men's Elite Canada champion Jackson Payne, 2010 Worlds veterans Kevin Lytwyn and Jayd Lukenchuk, and former junior standout Tariq Dowers now competing in the senior ranks. Canada "White" placed second. 

The USA finished third in the competition, with Tyler Mizoguchi finishing second in the all-around standings.

China finished a surprising fourth, but found a star in Liu Rongbing, who won tonight's all-around (87.400). It must be emphasized that China was one man short of a full team, with Wu Guanhua not competing. Thus, all three teammates (Liu, Tong Yingjie and Lu Bo) competed a full six apparatus. Lu Bo struggled the most, counting several falls. Perhaps still struggling from jet lag, and Calgary's high altitude? The team arrived only Tuesday.   

Results:

Team:
1. Canada "Red"
2. Canada "White
3. USA
4. China
AA:
1. Liu Rongbing (CHN)
2. Tyler Mizoguchi (USA)
3. Casey Sandy (CAN)

Competition continues tomorrow with the "Big Show" finals. Meanwhile, Elite competition kicks off tomorrow in Edmonton for the women at Wild Rose.

Videos uploading now to Gymn.ca's YouTube channel!


MARCH 18 - PAYNE WINS ELITE CANADA

Jackson Payne took home the men's Elite Canada title tonight in Brampton, Ontario. Silver went to Casey Sandy, with Jayd Lukenchuk taking home the bronze.

Full results are available at gym-score-dept.

Videos are available on youtube.

MARCH 15 - FLETCHER APPOINTED NEW WAG NATIONAL TEAM DIRECTOR

From Gymnastics BC:

Gymnastics Canada has announced the appointment of Ms. Kyna Fletcher as the new Women's Artistic Gymnastics (WAG) National Team Director. As an NCCP Level IV coach, sport administrator, BC Provincial Coach and passionate volunteer chair of the GCG WAG Program Assembly for the past 12 years, Ms. Fletcher brings a broad range of knowledge and expertise to this new position. Her professional work experience and interpersonal skills will be a great asset for the federation.

More recently, Ms. Fletcher has taken on additional responsibilities with Gymnastics Canada to include a leadership role with the WAG National Team. She has been the WAG Team Leader to the 2010 Pacific Rim Championships and 2010 World Championships and coordinating National Team program preparation activities such as training camps and sport science program support.

Ms. Fletcher has a very good understanding of the Canadian gymnastics delivery system and a leadership and communication style that brings people together. She is passionate about gymnastics and very excited to join the Gymnastics Canada staff.

As the WAG National Team Director, Ms. Fletcher will be responsible for the direction and management of the Senior, Junior and Youth National Team Programs. She will work closely with the Program Director, the coaches of National Team athletes and other technical advisors to the National Team program.

Ms. Fletcher is truly committed in developing a close and solid working relationship with all the National Team and High Performance coaches in Canada and the Provincial and National partners.


MARCH 13 - GYMNIX WRAPS UP IN MONTREAL

L'International Gymnix wrapped up today in Montreal, crowning 5 individuals with apparatus wins:

Junior EF:
Vault: Sabrina Gill
Bars: Sabrina Gill
Beam: Gabrielle Jupp
Floor: Victoria Moors

Senior EF:
Vault: Julie Croket
Bars: Madeline Gardiner
Beam: Madeline Gardiner
Floor: Julie Croket

Full Results: http://www.internationalgymnix.ca/fr/results/


MARCH 12 - MOORS LEADS TEAM CANADA TO GYMNIX JUNIOR CUP WIN

Victoria Moors posted the top score on three apparatus at today's Gymnix Junior Cup, easily taking the all-around title (55.925) and paving the way to team gold for Canada. Rounding out "Canada Red" was Sabrina Gill (2nd AA; 54.925), Natalie Vaculik (3rd AA; 53.12), and Jordyn Pedersen (11th AA; 51.100). 

The top scoring international competition was Russia's Yulia Tipaeva (4th AA; 53.050). Russia placed second as a team, with Great Britain third. Canada's second team came fourth. Both Great Britain and Canada 2 competed one gymnast short.

Junior Cup AA
1. Victoria Moors (CAN)
2. Sabrina Gill (CAN)
3. Natalie Vaculik (CAN)
4. Yulia Tipaeva (RUS)
5. Gabrielle Jupp (GBR)

Full Results: Junior Cup AA
 Junior Cup Team
1. Canada 1 (Victoria Moors, Sabrina Gill, Natalie Vaculik, Jordyn Pedersen)
2. Russia (Yulia Tipaeva, Maria Mager, Ekaterina Baturina, Alina Martynova)
3. Great Britain (Gabrielle Jupp, Angel Romaeo, Raer Theaker)
4. Canada 2 (Brianna Clark, Maegan Chant, Elise Bolger)


Full Results: Team

Related links: Videos


MARCH 11 - CROKET WINS GYMNIX CHALLENGE

Belgian Julie Croket won tonight's Gymnix Challenge, held in Montreal. Madeline Gardiner (CAN) placed second, with Asuka Teramato (JPN) in third.

Gymnix Challenge
1. Julie Croket (BEL)
2. Madeline Gardiner (CAN)
3. Asua Teramato (JPN)
4. Christine Lee (CAN)
5. Jessica Savona (CAN)

Full Results: Gymnix Challenge

 

MARCH 8 - IG CATCHES UP WITH HOPFNER-HIBBS

Hopfner-Hibbs on London 2012

It's coming up pretty fast, but I still haven't decided. It would be a lot of hard work to get back to that level. I don't know if I'm ready to make those steps yet. I'm just working really hard to make everything consistent for college gymnastics, and go from there.

International Gymnast

 

MARCH 7 - MARCH MADNESS GYMNASTICS STYLE

March is a busy month for Canadian Gymnastics, with three major Invitationals hosting local and foreign elites. 

L'International Gymnix kicks off March 10 in Montreal and features Canadians Madeline Gardiner, Kristin Klarenbach, Jessica Savona, Coralie Leblond-Chartrand, Christine Lee, Sabrina Gill, Victoria Moors, Vivi Babalis, and Brianna Clark and International guests Alina Martynova (RUS),  Jessica Gil Ortiz (COL), Georgia Wheeler (AUS), Venus Romaeo (GBR), Angel Romaeo (GBR), Jessica Hogg (GBR), Asuka Teramoto (JPN), Julie Croket (BEL), and Brianna DeJardin (BEL).

Two weeks later Alberta plays host to the inaugural Kyle Shewfelt Gymnastics Festival (KSGF) in Calgary and Wild Rose Invitational in Edmonton. KSGF kicks off Friday night with a tri meet, featuring Canada, China, and the USA. Athletes slated to compete include

Canadians slated to include Nathan Gafuik , Jayd Lukenchuk, Anderson Loren, Brandon O'Neill, and Jackson Payne. From China will be Lu Bo, Tong Yingjie, Liu Rongbing, and Wu Guanhua. Representing the USA will be Dylan Akers, Andrew Elkind, Tyler Mizoguchi, and Jesse Silverstein. Marco Mayr from Austria will also be competing, but without a team.

The premiere "Big Show" takes place Saturday and includes local media professionals, celebrity judges, Olympic friends, and more! 

Wild Rose returns to Edmonton with China and Australia sending a mix of World team members and up-and-comers. Headlining the roster is 2008 Olympic and 2009 Worlds gold medallist Jiang Yuyuan. She'll be joined by Huang Huidan and Shang Chunsong. From Australia comes Georgia-Rose Brown, Britt Greeley, Tierra Exum, Emily Little, and Katie Wurth. The Canadian roster has yet to be announced, but is likely to include the host gym's Kristin Klarenbach and Miranda Meyer

Update (March 15): Team Canada at Wild Rose to include Jessica Savona (Ontario), Bianca Dancose-Giambattisto (Québec), Coralie Leblond-Chartrand (Québec) and Kristin Klarenbach (Alberta).

Update (March 15): Dominique Pegg (Ontario) is replacing Coralie Leblond-Chartrand (Québec). The host club's Miranda Meyer (Alberta) won't be competing, after all. 

Stay tuned to Gymn.ca for news and video!

   

FEBRUARY 21 - ROGERS RESUMES TRAINING

Brittany Rogers has received the green light to resume full training, after foot surgery. Rogers suffered the injury dismounting beam, at the 2010 Pacific Rim Championships last April. She had surgery in November.

More: IG Interview - Brittany Rogers

FEBRUARY 18 - UNICK WINS FLOOR AT WOGA CLASSIC

Anysia Unick claimed the top score on floor at this year's 2011 WOGA Classic, held in Frisco, TX. Overall she placed 5th all-around, with Madeline Gardiner placing 6th. In the junior category, Victoria Moors placed 5th AA. Gymnastike has videos.

The trio appear on the cover of the March 2011 issue of International Gymnast. See their routines from the weekend prior, at the Nadia Comaneci Invitational (YouTube: IGonline)

FEBRUARY 17 - CTV PROFILES SHALLON OLSEN

Check out CTV's profile on Shallon Olsen (available until March 16, 2011)

FEBRUARY 17 - CANADA WINTER GAMES COMES TO A CLOSE

Gold medallists from the 2011 Canada Winter Games, in Halifax:

Men's FX: Jared Goad (Nova Scotia)
Men's PH: Robert Kriangkum (Alberta)
Men's Rings: Simon Porter (Ontario)
Men's Vault: Mathieu Csukassy (Quebec)
Men's P-Bars: Curtis Graves (Saskatchewan)
Men's High Bar: Mathieu Csukassy (Quebec)
Women's Vault: Briannah Tsang (BC)
Women's Bars: Sabrina Gill (Ontario)
Women's Beam: Sabrina Gill (Ontario)
Women's Floor: Shallon Olsen (BC)

As GymnasticsCoaching.com observed...
most Golden - Sabrina Gill (4 Golds: 4 Gold medals in Team, AA, Bars & Beam)
most Decorated - Mikaela Gerber (5 medals: Gold Team, Silver Floor & Vault, Bronze AA & Beam)

Full Results:  Women's EF | Men's EF

Video: http://www.youtube.com/GymnCA

FEBRUARY 17 - LIVE SCORING FROM CANADA WINTER GAMES

The Gymnastics competition concludes today in Halifax, at the Canada Winter Games. Follow the live scoring from today's apparatus finals, and stay tuned to Gymn.ca's YouTube channel over the weekend for more video!

FEBRUARY 15 - TIE AT CANADA WINTER GAMES

Simon Porter took gold in today's all-around competition in Halifax, at the Canada Winter Games. Second place went to Kal Nemier, with Mathieu Csukassy rounding out the podium.

BIB

Name

Floor PH  Rings  Vault PB HB AA
349  Simon J.R. Porter 13.000 12.950 13.400 15.600 11.950 12.450 79.350
337  Kal Nemier 13.600 11.850 13.050 14.500 12.050 12.150 77.200
360  Mathieu Csukassy 13.800 11.900 12.350 15.150 12.300 11.450 76.950
320  Curtis Graves 12.550 12.200 12.450 14.350 12.250 12.650 76.450
313  Evan Cruz 12.850 12.850 11.900 13.750 12.700 11.800 75.850
332  Zach Clay 12.000 13.100 10.800 14.950 12.700 12.250 75.800
325  Damien Cachia 13.500 13.100 11.650 13.800 11.450 12.000 75.500
327  Bobby Kriangkum 12.050 13.350 11.700 14.600 12.150 11.500 75.350
363  Samuel Paquin 13.150 11.200 12.150 13.750 12.800 12.250 75.300
347  Nicholas Mallia 13.250 11.550 12.450 13.200 12.200 12.200 74.850
359  David Boucher 11.800 12.850 12.600 14.050 12.400 11.150 74.850
338  Josh Stuart 12.750 12.250 12.050 13.850 11.950 11.800 74.650
333  Devy Dyson 12.350 11.800 12.550 14.000 11.450 12.350 74.500
364  Julien Samson 12.750 11.800 11.800 13.750 12.150 10.900 73.150
311  Stephen Clouter 12.200 11.500 11.200 12.750 12.650 12.250 72.550
350  Daniel Treleaven 12.850 11.100 10.750 13.600 12.350 11.700 72.350
317  Padraec Robinson 12.450 10.450 11.350 13.750 11.700 11.900 71.600
336  Scott Nabata 12.700 10.650 11.350 13.600 11.100 11.350 70.750
354  Christopher Morgan 12.550 11.450 11.050 12.950 11.900 10.600 70.500
355  Parker Ramsay 12.350 11.150 11.000 12.550 11.950 11.150 70.150
356  Blaise Roberts 12.250 10.800 10.900 13.100 11.500 11.350 69.900
361  Matthew Halickman 12.450 9.650 12.400 13.400 10.900 10.850 69.650
321  Teague King 13.000 11.650 11.400 11.800 9.600 11.600 69.050
330  Luke Stretch 12.050 10.500 11.450 13.100 9.800 11.100 68.000
324  Wyatt Tyndall 12.500 10.150 10.250 12.900 10.000 11.850 67.650
342  Jason Marks 12.000 10.700 10.600 12.900 10.050 10.800 67.050
301  Tyler Gary Bryden 12.200 10.350 11.300 13.200 8.600 10.750 66.400
302  Campbell Bryden 12.250 10.000 11.050 12.850 9.250 10.850 66.250
358  Jean B?n-Rainville 11.850 10.700 11.100 13.900 10.650 3.050 61.250
340  Tyler Franklin 11.950 10.050 9.700 13.100 6.550 8.300 59.650
306  Griffin Brophy 11.500 7.600 9.250 12.700 8.900 9.500 59.450
339  Taran Barrett 11.500 7.250 9.000 12.400 9.250 8.300 57.700
304  Michael Thompson 9.700 8.050 7.300 12.950 5.550 8.400 51.950
343  Zack Sullivan 10.550   8.400 12.050 8.950   39.950
307  Joshua Holloway 10.000   9.150 12.750     31.900
309  Brett Mercer   9.150 8.550       17.700

FEBRUARY 16 - VIDEOS ADDED!

Videos from yesterday's women's AA are now available on Gymn.ca's YouTube channel. Thank you!

FEBRUARY 15 - TIE AT CANADA WINTER GAMES

Silvia Colussi-Pelaez and Sabrina Gill tied for gold in today's all-around competition in Halifax, at the Canada Winter Games. Mikaela Gerber took bronze. All three train at Oakville Gymnastics. Stay tuned for videos!

Bib

Name

Vault Bars  Beam  Floor AA
160  Silvia Colussi-Pelaez 13.750 13.600 13.900 13.850 55.100
163  Sabrina Gill 13.650 12.600 14.600 14.250 55.100
162  Mikaela Gerber 14.100 13.300 12.650 14.800 54.850
164  Jordyn Pedersen 13.700 12.900 13.850 14.000 54.450
147  Shallon Olsen 13.650 12.700 13.500 14.500 54.350
166  Vivi Babalis 12.850 13.350 14.300 13.750 54.250
150  Briannah Tsang 14.400 12.650 13.100 13.550 53.700
165  Krishna Yemany 13.550 13.900 12.850 12.550 52.850
148  Taylor Ricci 13.650 10.700 14.300 13.200 51.850
159  Elise Bolger 13.500 11.450 13.200 13.700 51.850
168  M?ssa Fontaine 13.250 12.300 12.300 13.350 51.200
128  Madison Brannen 12.950 11.800 12.700 13.250 50.700
171  Lory-Jing Robert 13.150 11.750 12.500 12.950 50.350
167  Anne-Sophie Csukassy 13.150 11.200 12.400 13.400 50.150
154  Natalie Gervais 12.650 11.750 12.000 13.350 49.750
140  Emily Lennon 13.550 10.850 11.700 13.300 49.400
153  Melissa Clark 13.350 12.200 11.150 12.300 49.000
156  Sydney McEachern 13.400 12.100 9.900 13.550 48.950
138  Marisa Dick 13.150 10.750 12.050 12.800 48.750
129  Breanna Franklin 11.950 11.400 12.600 12.400 48.350
133  Charlie Wright 12.050 11.050 11.150 13.100 47.350
119  Paulina Marie Miller 13.700 10.050 11.200 12.300 47.250
144  Brielle Wilchuck 12.600 9.150 12.350 12.600 46.700
108  Erica Devereaux 12.950 10.050 10.550 12.650 46.200
102  Dominique Landry 12.500 9.750 11.600 11.900 45.750
116  Madison Faulkner 12.800 10.450 12.200 10.200 45.650
121  Abby Murrin 12.500 9.100 10.500 12.050 44.150
107  Chelsea Wilson 12.650 9.400 9.400 11.700 43.150
114  Jeannie Weir 11.600 8.550 10.250 10.400 40.800
104  Taylor McNeill 13.050 6.700 10.000 10.750 40.500
124  Katherine Slysz 12.000 7.950 9.650 9.800 39.400
111  Kayla Hickman 11.750 9.300 8.450 9.600 39.100
134  Corey Juneau Baxter 11.800 7.750 8.000 10.750 38.300
122  Cassie Feehan 10.900 7.250 7.600 9.750 35.500
126  Perri Wight 11.200 5.350 9.300 9.550 35.400
135  Kelcie Henney 11.400 3.650 8.700 9.050 32.800

 

FEBRUARY 14 - VIDEOS ADDED!

Videos from yesterday's women's team event are now available on Gymn.ca's YouTube channel. Thank you!

FEBRUARY 14 - QUEBEC WINS CANADA WINTER GAMES

Team Quebec has won the men's team event, at the 2011 Canada Winter Games. British Columbia took second place, with Ontario in third.

Team Floor PH  Rings  Vault PB HB Total
 Quebec 52.750 47.200 50.950 57.150 48.900 47.650 304.600
 British Columbia 52.350 48.650 49.650 56.950 48.550 47.850 304.000
 Ontario 51.100 46.900 50.450 56.600 50.050 48.050 303.150
 Nova Scotia 52.150 48.100 47.500 53.250 47.400 46.350 294.750
 Alberta 51.100 47.850 49.350 55.650 42.100 44.450 290.500
 Saskatchewan 50.800 44.400 47.100 54.000 45.750 45.300 287.350
 Prince Edward Island 49.800 43.600 45.350 51.750 46.850 42.500 279.850
 New Brunswick 48.000 27.000 43.150 51.750 36.350 31.550 237.800
 Manitoba 43.950 33.450 38.450 50.750 32.000 36.550 235.150
 Nfld & Labrador 43.700 19.250 37.600 48.450 26.700 8.400 184.100

FEBRUARY 14 - LIVE SCORING FOR MEN'S TEAM FROM CANADA WINTER GAMES

Follow live scoring from today's men's team competition.

FEBRUARY 13 - ONTARIO WINS CANADA WINTER GAMES

Team Ontario has won the women's team event, at the 2011 Canada Winter Games. British Columbia took second place, with Quebec rounding out the podium.

Ontario: Elise Bolger, Silvia Colussi-Pelaez, Gabrielle Douglas, Mikaela Gerber, Sabrina Gill, Jordyn Pedersen, Krishna Yemany

BC: Tamara Kuno, Kerensa Mitchell, Taylor Ricci, Shallon Olsen , Emma Sibson , Briannah Tsang, Shae Zamardi

Quebec: Vivi Babalis, Anne-Sophie Csukassy, Melissa Fontaine, Eliane Kulczyk, Dominique Nadeau, Lory-Jing Robert, Sabrina Tomassini

Team Vault Bars Beam Floor Total
 Ontario 54.100 52.000 58.200 55.600 219.900
 British Columbia 55.650 51.850 52.350 54.850 214.700
 Quebec 53.550 51.100 53.900 52.100 210.650
 Alberta 51.150 47.150 52.500 52.150 202.950
 Manitoba 51.900 46.250 48.500 51.450 198.100
 Saskatchewan 50.450 41.650 51.300 49.650 193.050
 Nova Scotia 51.650 34.700 46.350 46.300 179.000
 New Brunswick 49.600 40.000 42.950 45.150 177.700
 Nfld & Labrador 48.450 28.750 43.350 44.800 165.350
 Prince Edward Island 47.350 30.000 39.150 39.200 155.700
 Yukon 33.800 4.800 22.900 26.900 88.400

Update! Videos now available on Gymn.ca's YouTube channel

Update! GymnasticsCoaching.com reports that the top three all-arounders hail from Oakville Gymnastics: Sabrina Gill (1st), Silvia Colussi-Pelaez (2nd) and Miki Gerber (3rd). All three will advance to the all-around finals. The AA features the top 36 all-arounders (max. 3 per province). Top 8 per apparatus advance to the event finals (max. 2 per province).

http://www.canadagames2011.ca/en/home/compete/sports/artisticgymnastics.aspx


FEBRUARY 13 - CANADA WINTER GAMES FEED BUFFERING FOR YOU, TOO?

If you're like me, and all the Bell Aliant webfeed does is buffer...head over to the official site for live scoring...


FEBRUARY 13 - CANADA WINTER GAMES: WOMEN'S TEAM SESSION 2 BEGINS SOON

Surf over to Bell Aliant at 3:40pm EST to watch the second session of the women's team competition featuring BC, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec. There are two different camera feeds (angles) available.

Session 1 wrapped up earlier this morning. Saskatchewan leads, followed by Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick.

Halifax's Chronicle Herald has a report about Nova Scotia's efforts. The team had a strong showing on vault but struggled on bars. Their goal is to finish fifth place. Gymnastics Canada's YouTube channel has the first of two videos uploaded.

Kyle Shewfelt is at the Games as part of the AthletesCan contingent, and is at the sold-out arena encouraging the athletes. Shewfelt qualified to the 1995 and 1999 Canada Winter Games, but injuries forced him to withdraw from both teams. ?Dashed dreams,? he told the Halifax Chronicle Herald. ?But (the Games) were a really great learning curve. It teaches you that as an athlete, you don't always get what you want.? Ultimately, Shewfelt went on to three Olympic Games (2000, 2004, 2008) winning gold in Athens 2004.

Fellow Olympian David Kikuchi also has a role at these Games - he's Nova Scotia's men's coach. Kikuchi reflected to Halifax's Chronicle Herald on his own experience competing at the Canada Winter Games, back in 1995. "It was my first multi-sport Games and it was cool to be a part of...It was one of the experiences that helped me figure out that I wanted to continue and to put a lot of effort into the sport." Kikuchi reports that Nova Scotia's men's team is also striving for a fifth place finish.

Gabrielle May, double bronze medallist at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, is also in Halifax. She's serving as Team Manitoba's honourary captain. "I'm really happy to do something like this," May told the Winnipeg Free Press. "I get to be the No. 1 cheerleader for all the athletes, share my experiences with them, and prepare them for the Games."

http://www.canadagames2011.ca/en/home/compete/sports/artisticgymnastics.aspx


FEBRUARY 12 - UNICK WINS NADIA COMANECI INVITATIONAL

Anysia Unick topped the field at this year's Nadia Comaneci Invitational in Oklahoma City. The win marks a spectacular return to competition for Unick, who sat out competition for almost a year following knee and elbow surgeries. 

Fellow Canadian Madeline Gardiner placed second in the senior division, with teammate Victoria Moors placing fourth amongst juniors. Moors is said to have opened her floor exercise with a double-double.

The trio is scheduled to compete at next weekend's WOGA Classic in Frisco, TX along with Bianca Dancose-Giambattisto.

Related Links:
- International Gymnast magazine
- Quick hits on IG's Facebook 
- IG filmed all routines and plans to upload to their youtube site, shortly.


FEBRUARY 12 - GRAVES AND MORGAN FLAGBEARERS AT CANADA WINTER GAMES

Two of the flag bearers at today's opening ceremonies at the Canada Winter Games are gymnasts!

Curtis Graves turns 18 today, and is carrying Saskatchewan's flag.

"I'm not really nervous. I'm more excited,'' Graves told Regina's Leader-Post. "It's a tremendous honour for me to carry the flag and to represent Saskatchewan and all of the sports at the Canada Games...It is amazing that I was chosen out of all the great athletes who have come to the Games in their chosen sports. For me to be chosen, it's just awesome.''

This will be Graves' second appearance at the Canada Winter Games, having competed at the 2007 Games in Whitehorse, Yukon. He is the reigning junior men's champion on high bars. The men's competition kicks off Monday.

Carrying the flag for PEI is Chris Morgan, also competing at his second Canada Winter Games.

"It couldn't happen to a nicer guy than Chris," team coach Jim Rand told PEI's The Guardian. "He is our unofficial team captain in the gym and he is a determined, steady and responsible individual. It is a great honour both for him personally and for our sport. Choosing our flag bearer was a difficult decision because we have so many outstanding athletes attending in week one," commented Team PEI Chef-de-Mission Sa Jo-anne Wallace. "In the end though, Chris stood out, not only for his ability in gymnastics but for his mature and responsible attitude. He is a fine role model and will do a great job for Team P.E.I."

http://www.canadagames2011.ca/en/home/compete/sports/artisticgymnastics.aspx


FEBRUARY 6 - GEARING UP FOR CANADA WINTER GAMES

In exactly one week, the gymnastics competition will kick off in Halifax, NS, site of the quadrennial Canada Winter Games.

Controversy is swelling concerning 10-year-old Shallon Olsen being named to Team B.C. The minimum age is 12. (Link: Message Board, GymnasticsCoaching)

Host broadcast TSN has no coverage planned for gymnastics. Send your feedback on this matter to TSN at  audiencerelations@tsn.ca. Looks like Bell Aliant may come through with web casting - hopefully they archive the footage for those of us Westerners who may be at work during the competition hours!

Related Links:
- Gymnasts competing
- Melissa Dick makes Alberta Team (St. Albert Gazette)
- Island Flavour to BC's Canada Winter Games (Kerensa Mitchell; Times Colonist)
- Oakville Sending 9 Athletes to the Games (Cory Paterson, Sabrina Gill and Silvia Colussi-Pelaez; Inside Halton)
- Burnaby's Local Contingent (Tamara Kuno and Briannah Tsang; The Record)
-Gymnast Cory Munroe to take to the floor at first Canada Games (Cape Breton Post)
- Hometown Heroes do NB Proud (Taylor McNeil)
- Oakville Gymnasts set to make impact 

http://www.canadagames2011.ca/en/home/compete/sports/artisticgymnastics.aspx


JANUARY 19 - CANADIANS TO WOGA CLASSIC

A strong contingent is scheduled for next month's WOGA Classic. Bianca Dancose-Giambattisto (2010 World Championships) and Maddie Gardiner (2010 Youth Olympic Games) both saw World class competition last year. Victoria Moors, newly crowned Junior Elite Canada champion, trains alongside Gardiner. 

Perhaps the most exciting addition to this contingent is Anysia Unick, who has out of competition with injury for nearly a year. She won a silver on bars in her first World Cup event overseas, the 2010 Cottbus Cup.

http://www.woga.net/WOGAClassic.aspx


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