May 6, 2018
Five Medals for Garcia at Junior Pan American Championship in Rhythmic Gymnastics
Gymnastics Canada – MEDELLIN, COL (May 5, 2018) – Natalie Garcia of Mississauga, ON dominated the competition at the 2018 Junior Pan American Championship in Rhythmic Gymnastics in Medellin, Colombia this weekend winning five medals including one gold, three silver, and one bronze medal.
Garcia captured the silver medal in the all-around competition, scoring 59.400 points. She finished less than half a point back of Shannon Xiao of the United States and more than a point ahead of her American teammate Elizabeth Kapitonova. By finishing in second position overall, Garcia qualified Canada one spot for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games to be held in Argentina in October.
In the clubs final, Garcia had a flawless routine and finished more than a point ahead of the competition, scoring 16.300.
“It was an honour to represent Canada at the Junior Pan American Championships,” said Garcia following the competition. “I’m very happy that I qualified Canada to the 2018 Youth Olympic Games by finishing second all-around. Capturing the gold with clubs and hearing our national anthem was a dream come true.”
“I’m so pleased for Natalie, she has worked very hard in her preparation for the Junior Pan American Championships and as a result Natalie’s all-around competition was outstanding,” said personal coach Tatiana Dolci. “One small mistake with ball actually cost her the competition title. Finals was icing on the cake with her gold, silver, and bronze.”
Haley Miller of Ottawa, ON and Izabella Helbin of Aurora, ON joined Garcia to win the silver medal in the team event with a score of 131.250. Helbin also qualified for hoop and ribbon final while Miller qualified for the ball final. In the group final, Canada finished fifth in the rope final and fourth in clubs final.
“I’m so proud of our athletes and coaches’ accomplishments at the Junior Pan American Championships,” said Teresa Orr, National Team Director for rhythmic gymnastics at Gymnastics Canada. “We achieved all our goals! Canada won the team silver medal, all three individual gymnasts made finals, Natalie won silver in the All Around and captured three medals in finals. Canada’s group the youngest at this event and their first time at an international competition finished 4th All-Around. This was an amazing experience for everyone and one to build on for the future.”
ABOUT GYMNASTICS CANADA
First established in 1969, Gymnastics Canada is the national governing body for the sport of gymnastics in Canada. Gymnastics Canada works closely with the twelve Provincial Federations and the 700 local clubs to provide a broad range of programs and services to meet the needs of all participants. From athlete development, to coaching and judging education, Gymnastics Canada sets the operating standards and practices for the sport in Canada. Our mandate is to promote and provide positive and diverse gymnastics experience through the delivery of quality and safe gymnastics programming. Visit www.gymcan.org for more information, or follow us @CDNgymnastics.
Garcia captured the silver medal in the all-around competition, scoring 59.400 points. She finished less than half a point back of Shannon Xiao of the United States and more than a point ahead of her American teammate Elizabeth Kapitonova. By finishing in second position overall, Garcia qualified Canada one spot for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games to be held in Argentina in October.
In the clubs final, Garcia had a flawless routine and finished more than a point ahead of the competition, scoring 16.300.
“It was an honour to represent Canada at the Junior Pan American Championships,” said Garcia following the competition. “I’m very happy that I qualified Canada to the 2018 Youth Olympic Games by finishing second all-around. Capturing the gold with clubs and hearing our national anthem was a dream come true.”
“I’m so pleased for Natalie, she has worked very hard in her preparation for the Junior Pan American Championships and as a result Natalie’s all-around competition was outstanding,” said personal coach Tatiana Dolci. “One small mistake with ball actually cost her the competition title. Finals was icing on the cake with her gold, silver, and bronze.”
Haley Miller of Ottawa, ON and Izabella Helbin of Aurora, ON joined Garcia to win the silver medal in the team event with a score of 131.250. Helbin also qualified for hoop and ribbon final while Miller qualified for the ball final. In the group final, Canada finished fifth in the rope final and fourth in clubs final.
“I’m so proud of our athletes and coaches’ accomplishments at the Junior Pan American Championships,” said Teresa Orr, National Team Director for rhythmic gymnastics at Gymnastics Canada. “We achieved all our goals! Canada won the team silver medal, all three individual gymnasts made finals, Natalie won silver in the All Around and captured three medals in finals. Canada’s group the youngest at this event and their first time at an international competition finished 4th All-Around. This was an amazing experience for everyone and one to build on for the future.”
ABOUT GYMNASTICS CANADA
First established in 1969, Gymnastics Canada is the national governing body for the sport of gymnastics in Canada. Gymnastics Canada works closely with the twelve Provincial Federations and the 700 local clubs to provide a broad range of programs and services to meet the needs of all participants. From athlete development, to coaching and judging education, Gymnastics Canada sets the operating standards and practices for the sport in Canada. Our mandate is to promote and provide positive and diverse gymnastics experience through the delivery of quality and safe gymnastics programming. Visit www.gymcan.org for more information, or follow us @CDNgymnastics.
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For more information, contact:
Julie Forget
Director, Communications and Marketing
Gymnastics Canada
Office: 613.748.5637 x 233
Cell: 819.210.2064
Email: jforget@gymcan.org
Julie Forget
Director, Communications and Marketing
Gymnastics Canada
Office: 613.748.5637 x 233
Cell: 819.210.2064
Email: jforget@gymcan.org