Whelan sweeps apparatus finals to win Canadian championship
Carmen Whelan captured her first ever Canadian championship title, sweeping all four apparatus finals on Sunday at the 2017 Canadian Championships in Rhythmic Gymnastics while Michel Vivier was named the junior all-around champion.
Whelan dominated the competition throughout the entire championship leading from start to finish. The Aurora, Ont., native scored a total 125.600 points combined from competition A and B to capture the gold medal.
In rhythmic gymnastics, athletes perform the four apparatus over the first two days (competition A) to determine the top-15 athletes that advance to competition B on the final day.
On the final day, all four apparatus are performed and their final all-around score is a combination of both competitions.
"I'm feeling really ecstatic. It's still surreal to me to be named Canadian champion especially after years of being in second place and being so close," said Whelan following competition. "It's a huge accomplishment and I've been working so hard for this moment. This sport is my life and I wouldn't choose to do anything else."
Katherine Uchida finished in second place with 118.150 points and Athena Tsaltas rounded out the podium, scoring 109.850 points.
Vivier captures junior title
Vivier captured the junior Canadian championship title in her first season as a junior with a final score of 115.100 points.
As the youngest junior competitor, it meant a lot for the Toronto native to come out on top: "I'm feeling amazing, I'm really proud of myself," said Vivier shortly after the award ceremony.
"I'm thankful for my coach, who is my mom, it means everything to me to be named Canadian champion. I had a small injury following Saturday's competition so turns were a little tough, but I did my best and my hard work paid off."
Sophie Crane finished less than four points back with a score of 111.950 but was victorious in hoop, ball and clubs.
Natalie Garcia took home the bronze in addition to a gold medal in ribbon.
More hardware
Gymnastics Canada also announced a number of rhythmic gymnastics awards.
Among the winners were:
- Carmen Whelan – Senior Canadian athlete of the year
- Natalie Garcia – Junior Canadian athlete of the year
- Jaedyn Andreotti – Miss Elegance
- Svetlana Joukova – Canadian coach of the year.
