Olsen entered the competition having qualified in second-position behind Simone Biles of the USA. She laid down two more solid vaults to retain that position to capture the silver medal with a total score of 14.516. Biles captured her 13th World Championships title winning the gold with a total score of 15.366, while Alexa Moreno of Mexico rounded out the all North American podium taking home the bronze medal with a total score of 14.508.
“This is absolutely insane. I did not think I was going to come second behind Simone Biles, because she’s literally amazing,” said Olsen who was the gold medallist on vault at the 2018 Commonwealth Games this past April. “I’m just really happy and ecstatic right now.”
Ellie Black of Halifax, NS, who won a silver medal at last year’s World Championships in the individual all-around competition, also laid down two solid vaults, but of a lesser difficulty value, to finish the day in 7th position with a total score of 14.116. Olsen and Biles were the only gymnasts to compete 6.000 difficulty value vaults.
“I’m stunned with the performance. We had planned to get a medal at this World Championships, and this dream has come true,” said national team coach Alex Bard. “I’m so proud of the team and the coaches who have produced these athletes.”
The competition wraps up tomorrow with Black and Ana Padurariu of Whitby, ON competing in the beam finals, and Brooklyn Moors of Cambridge, ON competing in the floor finals.
Watch the action live via CBCSports here: https://www.cbc.ca/sports
For the full schedule and results visit: https://live.gymnastics.sport/schedule.php?idevent=13335
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