OLDS — Eight athletes from the Inspire Dance Studio and Baton Twirling Club competed in the 2023 Canadian Baton Twirling Championship, held July 2-7 in Edmonton.
Inspire owner Jenna Jemieff said they were in for a challenge, because about 30 athletes were competing in the 12 to 14 age group alone.
“(For) a lot of the girls, it’s their first time going to Canadians so we really just wanted them to get some experience under their belts,” she said during an interview.
Cadence Witcher placed fifth in BI junior medley 12-14 and seventh in BI freestyle 12-14.
Zoe Boyd placed fifth in junior BA solo dance, 12-14. She is 15, but the age cut off is Dec. 31, 2022.
In fact, Witcher and Boyd made it to finals in all of their individual events.
Sarah Scott made it to solo finals in junior BI 12-14.
Brianna Kilpatrick advanced from BN to BI 9-11.
Natalie Campbell received two golds in her graded BN events.
Avrylyn Finlay advanced from C to BN medley.
Emma Petten obtained a personal best routine after returning to baton late in the season
Natasha Tarrant also obtained a personal best routine in the two-baton event.
“Because for many of our girls, it was their first time competing at Canadians and they were in such large categories, our hope was that a few of them would make finals,” Jemieff said.
“So for many of our girls to make finals, especially in all of their events, that was really exciting as it was a big goal of theirs to be able to make that final round to compete another time.”
Beyond the medals and the placings, the Canadians were just a great experience for the athletes,” Jemieff said.
“They were really able to bond with other (competitors) across the country and watch athletes that were at the elite at level that were really inspiring.
“So I know the girls are really motivated and excited to get back to the practice gym and really advance their skills,” she said.
Jemieff said the athletes will get in some practice during the summer, but regular classesl won’t reconvene now until September.
