A total of 84 gymnasts from four clubs around Central Alberta attended the Olds Gymnastics Invitational on Saturday at Deer Meadow School. Gymnasts ranging in age from seven to 17 attended the meet from Olds, Lacombe, Three Hills and Rocky Mountain House.
The gymnasts competed in the uneven bars, vault, balance beam and floor exercise. The competition had a simple aim, according to Ashton Jordan, one of the coaches of the Olds club.
“To get all the clubs together, (to have) a bit of competition so that they can put the skills to use that they've worked all year for. For our competitive team (that has) already competed at a number of meets this season, it was a chance to shine in their hometown,” she said.
The competition was also a chance for the younger gymnasts to gain experience while the senior gymnasts finished off the year, added Michelle Jaffray, another of the Olds coaches. The club went to two big-city meets this year, plus several additional fun meets in smaller communities in Central Alberta.
“(For) the older girls, this is their last competition of the year, so it was kind of the last chance to prove (themselves) and they all did amazing,” she said.
The morning sessions saw Can Gym participants who compete recreationally take the floor, while the more competitive Provincial participants took to the floor in the afternoon sessions.
Olds athlete Reegan Johnston got gold in the Argo Can Gym 2 Group A 10 and under group while Kianna Jones got bronze. Brooklyn Lansing got gold in the Argo Can Gym 2 group B 10 and under event while Kiera Redgwell got silver in that event and Sharlesse Weigum, bronze.
In the Argo Can Gym 3 group B, 10 and under division Bynlee Rice placed in the bronze position, while Kali Meadows got gold in the Tyro Can Gym 3, 11- and 12-year-old division, Raegan Hammer got the silver in that category and Dayna Sewell, bronze.
Samantha Wilkinson got gold in the novice Can Gym 3 13- and 14-year-old division.
Kiarya Waiting got gold in the Argo Can Gym 4 10 and under division, while Danielle Trombley got silver and Jennifer Conway, bronze.
Micaelin Caskey topped the Tyro Can Gym 4, 11 and 12-year-old category, while Kylie Koenning and McKensie Hammer picked up a silver and bronze respectively in the novice Can Gym 4, 13- and 14-year-old division.
Lisa Davidson of Olds picked up a bronze in the Argo provincial level 1, 10 and under competition while MacKenzie Hooson and Maddy Fawns got gold and bronze respectively in the Tyro provincial level 1, 11- and 12-year-old division. Ashley Thomson and Julia Wright got silver and bronze respectively in the Tyro provincial level 1, group B 11- and 12-year-old competition while Kaylee Sahli claimed silver in the novice provincial level 1 group A 13- and 14-year old division. Brittney Martin also claimed silver in the novice provincial level 1, group B 13- and 14-year-old division. Reyna Wollman secured a silver in the open provincial level 1 15-year-old-plus category. Abby Allen claimed a silver in the open provincial level 2, 15-plus division.
"(For) the older girls, this is their last competition of the year, so it was kind of the last chance to prove (themselves) and they all did amazing."Michelle Jaffray, coach, Olds Gymnastics Club
