Zoe Safran has trained hard for years in Newmarket to get to the top of the gymnastics world.
Safran has spent the past several months fully dedicated to the sport, deciding to take a gap year after high school graduation to see how far she could pursue it.
The young gymnast was rewarded silver and bronze at provincials, and a fourth-place finish overall at her level. It earned her a chance to represent Ontario at a national stage.
“It was a hard choice to make, to stay behind. I wasn’t sure if I was going to feel like I wasted a year,” she said. “But doing so well this past year really helped me, and helped solidify the fact that I really made the right decision.”
Newmarket's Shenderey Gymnastics had plenty of success stories this month as three of its competitors came first in the Ontario Provincial Championships in Ottawa April 11 to 14. Three of its members also qualified to represent at the nationals in June, with plenty of high-ranking finishes throughout the competition.
Owner and head coach Alanna Kerler said it is amazing to see so many of their gymnasts excel.
“They definitely work hard. Gymnastics is not an easy sport,” she said. “These girls train five days a week at five hours a day. …. They have lots of big dreams and goals.”
The organization runs an elite program aimed at producing possible Olympians and national competitors. Many take half-days at schools to be a part of it, either through high-performance athlete programs with York Region high schools, or else with parents working to help make up for lost material at the elementary level.
“We’ve been around for a long time, and I would consider us specialists in the sport,” Kurler said.
Beilun Wu, another gymnast, said she had some fear going into the provincial championships . With some training struggles, she said she has struggled with a lack of confidence.
But her confidence built up after competing. Despite her fears, she emerged with a first-place overall finish at her level and a chance to compete at nationals.
“My coaches … they helped build me up over the summer,” she said. “I’m really excited to go to nationals.”
Kinsley Goldie, an 11-year old and level 6 gymnast, was the youngest at the gym to become a provincial champion.
It was not easy for her, but she said she feels good after her win.
“I was scared that I didn’t know how I was going to do,” Goldie said. “I had to have fun and not be terrified.”
The gym's Lauren Bradbury was the final provincial champion, coming first overall in level six.
“It just shocked me,” the 14-year-old gymnast said. “All my hard work paid off.”
Now, three of the gymnasts will prepare for a national competition in June in Gatineau, Quebec.
Abigail Man qualified for the national competition, with a sixth-place overall finish and a second-place finish in vault. She said nationals was her goal for the season,
“The fact that I achieved that goal is also a very good thing for me, but now I get to go and get the experience of being there and competing at the level,” she said. “I’m very excited to be able to compete with my friends who I made through the support, and also be able to compete for Ontario.”
Safran said she believes Team Ontario is quite strong, and there is a good chance they will win the nationals.
But for her individual performance, she said she does not want to put too much pressure on her herself.
“I’ll be proud of myself for trying my best, and I feel like I have a good chance of doing well,” she said. “At the same time, it’s all about the experience.”
