Gymnastics Canada – RICHMOND, BC (February 12, 2016) — Carmen Whelan of Aurora, Ont., took the lead on the first day of competition Friday in the senior event at the Elite Canada rhythmic gymnastics competition.



Whelan, a member of Canada’s 2015 Pan Am and world championship teams, earned a combined score of 30.500 points for her hoop and ball routines, with Katherine Uchida of Toronto close behind at 30.350.



Cindy Huh of Vancouver placed third in a field of 39 competitors with 29.550 points.



Canadian champion Patricia Bezzoubenko of Toronto is not competing at this year’s Elite Canada as she prepares for an upcoming World Cup event in Europe.



“I’m pretty happy with how things went,” said Whelan. “I was hoping for clean routines with no mistakes but I know that’s not possible at this time of the year. I’m not at the point yet where it’s all muscle memory — I have to think through every move as I do them.”



Whelan has completely revamped two of her four routines from last year and is aiming for more emotion in the ball event and a more upbeat performance in clubs.

“The world championships opened my eyes to a new level. I think I’ve matured a lot since then and learned how to cope with stress and to prepare in a way that works for me.”

In the junior competition, Alexandra Chtrevenskii of Montreal currently sits in first with 25.350 points from her rope and hoop routines. Natalie Garcia of Mississauga, Ont., is in second with 24.700 points and Jaedyn Andreotti of Vernon, B.C., is in third with 23.600.

Competition continues Saturday with the seniors performing clubs and ribbons routines, and the juniors performing with the ball and clubs.

The top 15 competitors from both the junior and senior events will advance to finals on Sunday with the top three in each event earning a berth at the Pacific Rim Championships in April.

For full results, please visit: http://www.score2u.com/default.aspx

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