Two athletes from the Richmond Gymnastics Association are heading to the Western Championships later this month.
Naomi Tsang and Leah Chen are among 45 gymnasts representing Team BC in the championships being held in Winnipeg, Manitoba from April 21 to 23.
B.C. will be competing against Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan the Yukon and the Northwest Territories in the Western Championships.
Both Tsang and Chen told the Richmond News they are excited to be representing the province after a nervous competition at the championship qualifiers.
Despite Tsang recovering from a back injury, she completed exceptionally well in her Tsukahara vault and floor tumbling routines, which landed her a spot on Team BC for the championships.
“I’m very nervous for the championships, but I’m looking forward to competing at an event with gymnasts from other clubs that I have befriended over the years,” said Tsang, adding that “teaming up” instead of competing against them is a “fun change.”
Leah Chen also scored herself a spot with Team BC thanks to her floor and vault routines. However, she said she was disappointed with her fall during her beam routine in the qualifiers.
Regardless, Chen said she isn’t too nervous for the championships, but it is difficult not to be somewhat anxious when competing against a lot of people.
“I have more confidence (and) since I qualified for westerns I know I can do it,” said Chen.
Meanwhile, three other local gymnasts scored well at the BC Gymnastics Champions for the Canadian Competitive Program (CCP).
Richmond Gymnastics Association’s Brooklyn Lum placed first on the beam with a score of 9.5 and sixth overall at the CCP level 7 category, Natalie Leung placed second overall on bars and vault at the CCP level 8 category and Lean Chen scored first place on vault, and fourth overall, in the Aspire 1 category.
From May 26 to 30, the Richmond Olympic Oval will also be hosting the National Canadian Artistic Gymnastics Championships.
