A Ponoka gymnast’s dream is unfolding as he prepares to compete at the Canada Winter Games with Team Alberta, held in Prince George Feb. 13 to March 1, 2015.
Findley McCormick, Grade 12, attended the trials, held in Calgary on Dec. 13, along with 11 other gymnasts from across the province.
“It’s a pretty small gymnastics group in Alberta,” McCormick explained.
He placed fifth out of the six available spots after demonstrating his abilities in all six events; parallel bars, rings, high bar, vault, floor and pommel horse.
“They pick based on your results, who will contribute to the team and who can do well individually,” said McCormick.
He didn’t have to wait too long to learn about his performance as the results were given shortly after the trials ended.
“I’m pretty excited I made it to the team,” said McCormick. “It’s a really good opportunity to be able to go.”
During the Winter Games, two of the team members will definitely compete in all six events while the other four are to partake in four to six. “They’re specialists,” said McCormick.
“I will be doing probably five to six events,” he added.
McCormick has competed at the National Gymnastics Championships for the past five years, but this will be his first Canada Winter Games. “This will be one of the largest events I’ve attended,” he said.
Currently sitting as a top competitor in his age group, McCormick says this might be one of his last years to compete in the sport and feels making the team is a reflection of all his hard work.
He is really looking forward to competing in his favorite event, the high bar. “It’s one of the most exciting events . . . there’s a lot of really impressive skills you can learn on high bar.”
Also from the event, McCormick hopes to bring home a team medal. “I’d like to place in the top six in an event.”
“I want to do my best, it’s a pretty competitive group,” he added.