SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. - Gymnasts flipped, flew and swung through the air as they competed in the Atlantic Gymnastics Championships held on Saturday at the Credit Union Place, while a panel of judges watched behind desks with eagle sharp eyes evaluating their every move.
Self-confidence is important, along with cognitive skills and mental strength, but there’s far more than meets the general public’s eye when watching these young athletes soar through the sky.
“You have to work really hard in gymnastics. It doesn’t matter if you’re naturally flexible, you still have to work hard,” said Emma king, aged 11, of the Slemon Park-based Summerside Saultos Gymnastics Club.
“We both practice 15 hours a week,” she said, while gearing up for the next challenge, the vault, with teammate Chloe Arsenault. “I started when I was two, and then I quit when I was five, and returned to the sport at the age of seven.”
Arsenault noted that having an attitude plays a big part in the performance.
“I like to smile a lot and show my emotions,” she said. “And I pretend that it’s a regular day at the gym and that’s how I stay focussed.”
Both athletes don’t have a ‘win at any cost’ attitude, but rather handle their victories with style, grace and dignity.
“It’s more than just a competitive sport for us because your teammates become your sisters. You make a lot of friends and it’s fun,” concluded Arsenault.
Jeff MacRae, executive director and men’s head coach with the Saultos Gymnastics Club, said the two-day event has been a great success.
“We’ve had lots of good feedback from everyone. The venue is great, and everything was well organized.”
P.E.I. had 76 athletes participate.
The Atlantic Gymnastics Championships is on a rotation between the four provinces, but next May Summerside will host the Eastern Canadian Gymnastics Championships, a high calibre event.
For information on the results visit, 2018 Atlantic Championship website.
