With a number of the Olympians retiring after the 2008 Games in China, youngsters from coast to coast are trying to position themselves for a shot at the Canadian team.
The core of that squad may very well be among the 10 gymnasts competing next weekend at the Massilia Cup in Marseille, France.
Three of those Olympic hopefuls are Gymnastics Mississauga’s Rochelle Hurt, 13, Anna Gamelo, 12, and Caitlyn Keates, 14.
One, all, or none of the three could be wearing Canada’s red-and-white in London.
And all three want to grasp the opportunity.
“It will give us a chance to see who we can focus on, the potential contenders for the next Olympic competition in 2012,” said the club’s Alex Bard.
There will be a number of training camps and important meets from now until 2012, but it’s never too early to start impressing.
Among the three making the trip to France, Hurt is the lone athlete returning to the Massilia Cup.
Competing as a Novice last year, Hurt will compete as a Junior this time around.
“(Competing as a Junior) is harder and the skills are a bit more demanding,” said Hurt. “I’m having to step up a bit and work harder this year.
“Now that I’m older,” she added, “I realize I have more potential than I did. I (now) want more, and I’m aiming for more.”
And more very much includes representing Canada at the Olympics.
“I’m going to work very hard for it. I want someone to say, ‘Who is she? You don’t know her? You don’t know Rochelle Hurt?’ ”
It was some time this year that Hurt realized she can make the jump.
“People started to tell me,” the well-spoken Grade 8 student said. “Coaches would tell me, ‘You have the potential to be on that team.’ It’s not shocking news. Everybody has that goal, but to go there, would be amazing.”
Hurt, who adds having a positive attitude is a big part of success, said, “Attitude. It’s how you train and how hard you train. Mostly, people see a spark in my attitude. When I’m out there (on the floor or bars) I’m a performer out there. I love tumbling and bars.”
And Hurt, like her teammates, is looking forward to displaying her talent in Marseille.
“I love the place,” she said. “It’s an amazing opportunity to go there. It just shocks you. I can’t describe how wonderful it is.”
Winning a medal will make the trip that much more wonderful.
dwiner@mississauga.net
