MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY — Two members of a local horse vaulting club recently competed on the international stage in France.
Meadow Creek Vaulting Club’s Daniel Klotz-Dedora, from Cochrane, and Jacynda Row, from Edmonton, performed at the 2021 World Vaulting Championships for Juniors in Le Mans, France. The event, which is held for the age category of 14 to 18 year olds, took place July 28 to Aug. 1.
The athletes had, despite the many hurdles imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, both previously achieved qualifying scores this spring at virtual selection trials before going on to be selected to represent Canada at the championships.
“While the global pandemic made the training during the past year, the selection process this spring, and the travel to the event this summer in Europe challenging, the athletes persevered through the past year to achieve their goals,” reads a portion of a press release issued by the club, whose home base is about 15 minutes southeast of Olds.
Under the coaching of Jeanine van der Sluijs, the two teen athletes who are both 14, travelled to Austria to train on borrowed horses in preparation for the championships after being selected.
“The generosity and support we received from the club, the coaches, and the lungers in Austria was tremendous and made for a very positive experience for the athletes,” reads the local club’s statement.
The two teens faced stiff competition from a pool of very talented athletes in their respective classes. Klotz-Dedora finished his competition in 10th place in the junior male division, while Row placed 46th in the junior female division.
“Their results and composure in the competition arena show a bright future for the youngsters, and they already have plans to prepare for the next Junior World Championships held two years from now,” the club said.
