Nearly 300 athletes were recently hitting the mats at the Panorama Recreation Centre in North Saanich for the 34th Annual Garden City Invitational gymnastics competition.
One local club sent 39 athletes and many finished their competitive season with personal best scores and podium medals.
Falcon Gymnastics’ competitive team, a Saanich-based club, saw a number of West Shore athletes compete and the team as a whole earned 57 medals and 34 other top ten finishes. Three Falcon gymnasts even earned all-around gold medals in their level and age categories.
In the Junior Olympic Level 8 category, Langford resident Emily Schmidt earned a gold medal for her floor routine. Younger sister Georgia also had a strong competition, placing in the top 10 all-around in the Level 6 category.
In Level 4, West Shore resident Madison Chase won gold on beam and bronze on vault. Lily Dedeluk, also competing at that level, had a strong competition and finished just outside the top 10 all-around.
In the Level 3 category, Zaynab Kalyan earned a bronze medal on the beam and tied for bronze all-around. Olivia Nguyen also had a
strong performance and finished in the top 10 all-around. Madison Nguyen, competing at Level 2, won a bronze medal for her floor routine.
Athletes ranging in age from six to 19 came from across the Island, the Lower Mainland and U.S. to compete in various categories.
While this event marked the end for the club’s competitive season, these athletes are still in the gym, training full time. In the off-season they will master new skills and upgrade their routines to prepare for the 2016-17 season. But they do get a three week break in late June for a little rest and relaxation.
katie@goldstreamgazette.com