Gold medalist calls it quits

Photo: Contributed

Megan Hamilton retires from rhythmic gymnastics after 12 years.

Vernon's Megan Hamilton has put down the props of rhythmic gymnastics after 12 years of competition.

Hamilton, part of the Okanagan Rhythmic Gymnastics club, is a former gold medalist at the BC Games and a bronze medalist at the Pan Ams.

She has travelled and represented Canada around the world.

“Rhythmic gymnastics has changed my life,” said Hamilton. “The gym gave me a safe place to learn to be vulnerable and express myself.

“This is one of the most valuable lessons that I have learned. People are impressed by perfection, but they can only truly connect to authentic emotion.”

In May, Hamilton competed in her seventh and final national championship.

“I will never forget that day. Presenting to the judges for the last time, having a home crowd to wave to, embracing my coaches with the tears streaming and walking out into the audience and being shocked at how many people I had impacted. It was the most beautiful ending that I could ever hoped for.”

"To see an athlete persevere down this path so diligently, on multiple levels, is inspiring," said Camille Martens, coach and owner of Vernon-based Okanagan Rhythmic Gymnastics Club. “Megan not only amplified her strengths and overcame her insecurities, she had the rare courage to both face and dismantle any part of herself that stood in the way of her greatest possibility.”