Vernon Okanagan Rhythmic Gymnastics members shine at nationals

Photo: Camille Martens

Vernon gymnasts from Okanagan Rhythmic Gymnastics shone in national competition this past weekend.

Top junior and senior members of the provincial team performed routines in front of officials at the Olympic Oval in Richmond and were judged virtually by judges all over the country.

In the open all-round event, junior Madeline Sellars placed sixth in hoop and 11th overall, advancing to the finals and qualifying for the Junior Canadian High-Performance Team.

"I was so delighted to watch Madeline earn her spot on the Junior High-Performance Canadian Team," said coach Camille Martens.

"It’s hard to believe that we have had 20 Canadian High Performance Team athletes, all from our small town club."

Junior Noelle Brierley completed her first national junior event, finishing 18th overall.

Halle Moger competed as an established member of the Senior Canadian High-Performance Team. In the all-round competition, she placed sixth, advancing to the finals, where she won fifth in hoop, seventh in ball and sixth in clubs when she scored 17.55, a personal best and career high.

Having recently been awarded the Diana Zoe Coop Award for artistic excellence, Elle Dockendorff also entered the competition as a member of the Senior Canadian High-Performance Team. She placed 10th in all-round.

Ashlyn Andreotti went into the event as B.C.’s Senior Open provincial champion. She won sixth place in both hoop and clubs, and finished in eighth place overall.

Senior Gracie Cox was B.C.’s provincial Senior Open all-round silver medallist and competed in her first nationals, placing 14th overall.

"What a strange year it's been! Amidst all of the challenges, our athletes have kept working and rising. I could not be more proud of and impressed by our top juniors and seniors," said Martens.