Apollo Gymnasts step up to the podium

OTTAWA - More than 180 athletes from across Ontario attended the provincial qualifier held at the Ottawa Gymnastics Centre over the weekend. Five members of the Apollo Gymnastics Club traveled to the country’s capital to attend the competition.

Katie Vaillancourt, North Bay’s youngest provincial competitor, led the competition early Saturday morning. Katie placed fifth on floor after showcasing her dynamic tumbling and huge back tuck on floor. Katie was ninth on bars and placed eleventh all-around in the level 5 division against 17 gymnasts.

Victoria Willars, 10, competing in the level 5 category, performed a well executed floor routine for a score of 11.5, narrowly missing medal contention by less than 0.05. Victoria placed fourth on floor. She placed eighth on vault, beam, bars and finished eighth overall.

“Katie and Victoria have worked very hard to attain the skills necessary for them to compete at the provincial level,” Apollo’s women’s coach Jen Lavigne said.

“This was their first elite competition, and I am pleased with their accomplishments. Now that they have this experience under their belt and some added confidence, I think that they will be better prepared for the next qualifier.”

Rachel Fung competed in the level 5, age 14 and up division. She had a silver medal showing on floor. She placed sixth on vault and seventh on beam. Rachel finished eighth in the all-around.

Alison Fung, 12, performed a dynamic handspring vault and earned a silver medal for her efforts. She also placed sixth on floor, seventh on bars and finished seventh in level 6, age 12/13 with a score of 45.8. She was only 0.5 points away from the qualifying score. Fung is currently ranked 12th in the province.

Victoria Ryman, 14, received a gold medal for her uneven bar routine. Victoria also scored an impressive 11.85 on floor for a silver medal on the event. She currently holds the sixth highest floor score in Ontario in the level 6 14 and up category. Ryman earned a silver medal on vault and beam, finishing the day with an additional silver medal around her neck.

“Alison and Victoria have moved up a full category from last year, so the elements in their routines are still relatively new. I am pleased with their results and how well they have adapted to the new rules and requirements,” Lavigne said.

The women’s competitive team will travel to Ajax on February 3-4 for the second of three provincial qualifiers.