Silver medal performances from both Abby Managhan (Level 6 – Age 13) and Rachel Uguccioni Level 8 – Age 16), along with a third place finish from Abby Dupuis (Level 6 – Age 15) were among the highlights as the GymZone – Sudbury Laurels travelled to Orangeville earlier this month for the first qualifier of the Women's Artistic Gymnastics season.

A local contingent that was 15 strong unveiled a whole slew of new skills that have been worked on diligently throughout the fall, with the results speaking for themselves. “Abby (Managhan) has worked so hard this season to build her confidence and improve her gymnastics on every event,” noted head coach Terra Davidson.

Managhan would put up a huge score of 9.5 on the floor, securing a silver medal in the event, and duplicating that finish on the beam with a personal best score of 9.425. A veteran of the Laurels' team, Uguccioni enjoyed the best qualifier of her gymnastics career, riding a second place finish on the floor (9.475) to an all-around silver medal day.

In addition to a very solid showing on both the uneven bars (9.25 – silver) and the floor (9.575), Abby Dupuis took a huge step forward in another area that gave rise to her all-around bronze medal. “A new connection on the beam this year, one that gave her some difficulty at Tour Selection, didn't seem to give her any challenges this weekend,” noted Davidson.

Following is a quick look at noteworthy comments, from the coach, for each of her athletes on hand:

Marin O'Malley (Level 6 – Age 12): “with her high-flying powerful vault, she impressed the judges and took home gold on the event” (fourth place all-around)

Naomi Lake (Level 6 – Age 9/10): “competing in first ever Level 6 qualifier, she showed so much maturity and confidence at such a young age” (bronze medal on bars)

Abby Dumontelle (Level 6 – Age 14): “executed a great vault (9.0 – bronze) and put up a personal best score of 9.0 on bars (Level 6)”

Yasmine Larouche (Level 6 – Age 14): first ever qualifier - “she came into this meet ready to show her stuff and she did exactly that, hitting all four events and posting a solid all-around score of 35.675”

Chanelle Lazure (Level 6 – Age 15): “Chanelle had a great showing this weekend, increasing her scores on every event from Tour scores”

Brooklyn Basso (Level 7 – Age 13): “moving up to Level 7 this year, Brooklyn is competing new skills on almost every single event, showcasing a new round off entry on vault, spring spring on beam and front tuck front tuck tumbling line on the floor”

Brielle Charlebois (Level 7 – Age 16+): “a veteran in the sport, Brielle definitely exemplifies her experience and confidence, hitting on all of her events” (huge score of 9.525 on floor)

Charlotte Eberlein (Level 7 – Age 15): in her first ever Level 7 qualifier, Eberlein recorded a score of 9.275 on the vault, finishing fourth

Charlee Faragher (Level 6 – Age 14): competing at her first ever provincial qualifier, Faragher gained valuable experience that should help her through the two remaining qualifiers in 2019

Madysen Mulligan (Level 6 – Age 14): Mulligan excelled in arguably the toughest event for more young gymnasts, posting a score of 9.10 on the uneven bars and finishing fifth

Chloe Pitura (Level 7 – Age 15): yet another of the group that was competing in her first qualifier at a new level, Pitura put up an impressive score of 9.550 on the floor, second in club entries only to Abby Dupuis (9.575)

Isabella Sooley (Level 6 – Age 11): in her first ever appearance at a provincial qualifier, Sooley overcame the expected nerves to produce a 6th place finish on the uneven bars