Gymnastics Canada – CZOMBATHELY, HUN (October 10, 2016) – It was a weekend of learning experiences for three members of Canada’s senior “B” men’s artistic gymnastics team at a World Challenge Cup in Hungary this past weekend. Thierry Pellerin of Lévis, QC headlined the meet by qualifying for the pommel horse finals at his first international competition.

Pellerin qualified for the final in 5^th with a score of 14.550, but with a strong field in the finals, including Berki Krisztian, the 2012 Olympic champion in the event, Pellerin didn’t haven’t the day he hoped for, and with a fall in the final, finished last with a score of 13.300.

“Overall it was a great experience and am happy about my performance,” said Pellerin who trains out of the Gymnamic Club under coaches Martin and Simon Bordeleau. “Being able to meet and compete with some success against these other athletes, including an Olympic champion, has been great. I expect that I’ll see these athletes again in future competitions so getting to know them will be helpful. In the future, while I still expect to feel all the pressure that comes with a big competition, I will be more confident going in.”

Joel Gagnon of Regina, SK and Evan Cruz of Halifax, NS both had some difficulties with their routines and unfortunately did not qualify for any finals. Gagnon did submit a new element for consideration on the parallel bars that the judges committee agreed to value as a “C” skill which will likely be considered as an addition to the FIG code of points.

“Coming to Hungary for this World Cup has been a valuable experience for these guys. They are all trying to break into Canada’s top group, and competing at this level helps them understand what it will take to get there,” said David Kikuchi who coaches Cruz out of the Halifax Alta Club.

FULL RESULTS: http://www.gymnasticsresults.com/2016/eu/hun/world-challenge-cup-szombathely.html

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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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