Pictou County gymnasts medal at Atlantics

Head coach and manager Wendy Cruickshank says this is the first time in about nine years the club’s had a girl attend Easterns.

“Olivia is our first girl to ever make Easterns,” said Cruickshank. “We’ve sent a boy to Easterns every year. Easterns will be the top athletes from all four Atlantic Provinces, as well as Ontario and Quebec.”

Wilson and three teammates – Torilyn Worth, Brycen Byrne and Anthony Goldshtaub – travelled to Fredericton for the Atlantic competition on April 21 and 22. There, they were part of the 89 members of Team NS competing against athletes from P.E.I., New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

“They all did personal bests,” said Cruickshank of the local athletes. “And they helped with scores for team awards.”

In the Open 7 category, Wilson placed eighth on beam and sixth on floor, and came home with Team Gold.

Worth competed in Novice 5, placing first in both vault and bars, and claiming first all around in the category.

Goldshtaub brought home Team Bronze in Level 3 age 13+, along with second-place finishes in vault and pommel horse, as well as finishing third in floor and parallel bars. He placed third all around, and was in the top 5 in the province.

Cruickshank says Goldshtaub’s performance qualified him to attend Easterns as well, however has made the decision not to attend.

In Level 1 age 12+, Byrne captured Team Silver and second in floor. He placed fourth overall and on pommel horse, fifth on parallel bars, and sixth on vault/high bar.

For 11 months out of the year, the gymnasts train seven to 12 hours per week at the club over a total of three to four days.

“I’m super proud of them,” Cruickshank said of their Atlantic performances. “They each had hurdles to overcome, they each had experiences and they competed against people they’ve never competed against before. They went in not knowing who they were competing against.

“They pushed through, they had less falls and they were very positive to their teammates. They were always there to encourage and support them, and to cheer them on.”

Cruickshank said when the four athletes weren’t competing, they were supporting the other gymnasts.

Throughout the year, the gymnasts work on their own individual skills at the club and compete from the beginning of the year until May. To attend the Atlantic competition, gymnasts have to attain a certain score during the year and are always working to better their personal scores.

For more information on the club, visit https://pictoucountygymnasticsclub.ca/, call 902-695-3699 or email pictoucountygymnastics@gmail.com.

Members are hosting a Fun Meet on July 16 and 17 at 558 South Frederick St., New Glasgow. The competitive team will be doing a demonstration. More information on the schedule and times will be available soon.