2021 Canadian Championships stood as the sole event that counted towards national team ranking for the 2021-2022 senior individual national team. Tatiana Cocsanova was crowned 2021 Canadian senior rhythmic gymnastics champion at the 2021 Virtual RG Canadian Championships in September. Fellow 2022 National Team members Suzanna Shahbazian and Carmel Kallemaa were also on the podium during this event.
“I’m excited to finally be able to show what I’ve been working on the past two years. 2021 was a very challenging year for everyone, especially for athletes and coaches who have been giving all they’ve got to help us,” said Tatiana Cocsanova. “I’m adapting well to the rule changes and am very excited to show my routines in front of a live audience. Huge respect to young athletes who, despite the numerous zoom practices and lockdowns did not give up. You are very strong and very courageous. Keep going, we’ll get through this!”
Additionally, Tatiana and Suzanna had the opportunity to attend the Marbella Grand Prix and International Tournament in Spain. Katherine Uchida had the opportunity to attend her first in-person event in over 18 months at the 2021 Rhythmic World Championships in October. This event was hosted in Japan.
“Having the opportunity to compete at World Championships was really special after a very difficult year full of injuries and uncertainties. Although it wasn’t my best performance, I enjoyed being in the competition environment again and to have had the chance to represent Canada at such an important event,” shared Katherine Uchida.
As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the rhythmic gymnastics program elected to only name a senior national team as the pandemic disrupted technical preparations across the country. The national team selection process will reset for the 2022-2023 season, beginning early in the year with 2022 Elite Canada, phase one of the selection process.
Group selection for Gymnastics Canada’s senior national team group took place November 26-27, 2021, in Toronto, ON. Selection included video submissions, open training, physical testing, and a probation period.
The 2022 RG National Team athletes and club affiliations are listed below.
SENIOR INDVIDUAL
Tatiana Cocsanova (Questo RG, QC) Christina Savchenko (Jusco RG, ON)
Julia Ivensky (Questo RG, QC) Suzanna Shahbazian (Questo RG, QC)
Carmel Kallemaa (Glimmer Athletics, ON) Katherine Uchida (Jusco RG, ON)
Alissa Levytskyy (Glimmer Athletics, ON) Michel Vivier (Viva RG, ON)
Halle Moger (Okanagan RG, BC) Hannah Walter (Glimmer Athletics, ON)
SENIOR GROUP
Emily Hranovich (Jusco RG, ON) Veronika Trublina (Jusco RG, ON)
Marta Kovalevych (Glimmer Athletics, ON) Alexandra Ulanova (Trillium RG, ON)
Stephania Medetbayeva (Kalev Estienne, ON) Alexandra Zilyuk (Kalev Estienne, ON)
Sianna Tsakiridis (Glimmer Athletics, ON)
National Team Director Teresa Orr shared her outlook on the year ahead, “I have nothing but praise for the team’s resilience throughout this unusual and challenging time. I am eagerly anticipating the year ahead functioning collectively with the athletes, coaches and support team and witnessing the progress being made. Happy to have such a dedicated group working towards success.”
For more information on the RG National Team click here: http://www.gymcan.org/disciplines/rhythmic/national-teams
ABOUT GYMNASTICS CANADA
First established in 1969, Gymnastics Canada has been supporting the mastery of movement in Canada for five decades as the national governing body for the sport of gymnastics in Canada. We work closely with the twelve provincial federations and 700 local clubs to provide a broad range of programs and services to meet the needs of all participants. From athlete development to coach and judge education, Gymnastics Canada sets the operating standards and practices for the sport in Canada. Our mandate is to promote and provide positive and diverse gymnastics experiences through the delivery of quality and safe gymnastics programming. Visit www.gymcan.org for more information or follow us @gymcan1. From here, we soar.
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For more information, contact:
Taylor Matthews
Communications, Gymnastics Canada
comms@gymcan.org