One of gymnastics' premier international events is coming to the Richmond Olympic Oval.
The 2014 Pacific Rim Gymnastics Championships, slated for April 9-12, will feature some of the world's best artistic, trampoline and rhythmic gymnasts. Close to 300 athletes from 17 countries around the Pacific Ocean are expected to compete. Perennial Olympic favourites Japan, China, Russia and the United States are among the countries confirmed for the championships.
"This competition is about building strong relationships and friendships among the Pacific Rim nations. I would like to thank Gymnastics Canada and Gymnastics BC for accepting to host these championships in Richmond," said Jean-Paul Caron, President, Pacific Alliance of National Gymnastics Federations duirng a press conference last week. "Canada is renowned for being one the best hosts in the world with warm and friendly hospitality. We are extremely pleased to be back in Canada for the 2014 Pacific Rim Championships."
Canadian gymnastics has risen to new and impressive heights in recent years.
At the 2012 Olympics, Ontario's Rosannah MacLennan won gold in trampoline; Canada's only gold medal of the Games. At the same time, Canada's women's artistic gymnastics team, including Coquitlam's Brittany Rogers, finished a bestever fifth.
In 2013, North Vancouver's Scott Morgan became the first Canadian man to qualify for a world championships' event final since Kyle Shewfelt in 2006. Ontario's Victoria Moors made headlines as she successfully completed a new move that is named after her and required a new level of difficulty to be added to the code of points.
"Gymnastics in Canada is experiencing remarkable increases in participation at all levels and unprecedented international success," said Brian Forrester, Gymnastics BC's CEO. "Hosting this major international competition in BC, in an Olympic legacy venue and in the lead-up to the 2016 Olympics is a great opportunity for our members and the province."
The Pacific Rim Championships (known as the Pacific Alliance Championship until 2008) were last held in Canada in 2002 in Burnaby. Recent hosts include Honolulu in 2004 and 2006; San Jose in 2008; Melbourne in 2010; and Everett in 2012. At the past four summer Olympics, Pacific Rim countries have combined for a total of 101 gymnastics Olympic medals including 37 gold.
Tickets for the championships are now on sale. They can be purchased online at www.pacificrimchamps.eventbrite.com
