Ellie Black Takes Bronze Medal All Around at 2016 Elite Canada Competition

Gymnastics Canada release - HALIFAX, NS (February 6, 2016) – Isabela Onyshko of Brandon, MB came prepared to impress Friday at the 2016 Elite Canada competition in artistic gymnastics at the Canada Games Centre in Halifax, NS and she didn’t disappoint, finishing first overall in the senior women’s all-around competition with a score of 57.075.

 “My main goal coming here was to try some new skills which I did, and I’m really happy that I was able to do them. My Yurchenko double twist on vault, I’ve been having some mental blocks with that vault so I’m really happy with being able to do it here. This vault means that I can up my all-around score and it really puts me in a better position on the world stage as an all-arounder.”

Finishing second was first-year senior Megan Roberts from East York Gymnastics in Toronto, ON with a score of 54.925, and in third was hometown favourite and Pan American Games all-around champion Ellie Black, with a score of 54.725.

“I was really happy with my bar routine,” said Black. “We’ve kind of worked through a few little struggles I was having at the end of the season with it so I was happy to be able to come out and hit that. The other events didn’t go perfectly but it’s just about getting back into competition and getting that experience.”

In the men’s senior all-around competition it was a Quebec sweep of the podium with René Cournoyer of Repentigny, QC taking home gold with a score of 83.200. Finishing second was Samuel Paquin of Montreal, QC with a score of 81.700, and Mathieu Csukassy, also of Montreal in third with a score of 81.200.

“Three guys from Quebec on the podium, that’s extraordinary,” exclaimed Cournoyer who had strong performances on the rings, parallel bars, and vault. “I think I did a great meet – not extraordinary, but I’m pretty happy with the results.”

Anthony Tawfik of Mississauga, ON moved up from his second place last year to take gold this year in the junior men’s all-around competition with a score of 120.400. William Émard of Laval, QC finished second with a score of 119.950, followed by Jesse Tyndall of Saskatoon, SK in third with a score of 113.750.

“I just wanted to do my best,” said Tawfik who was really happy with his floor, pommel horse, and rings routines. “I worked really hard in training and I knew that I could possibly come in first place so I pushed myself and I did it!”

Competition continues Saturday with the women’s novice and junior all-around finals, and the men’s junior and senior apparatus finals.

For full results, please visit: http://www.sportzsoft.com/meet/meetWeb.dll/MeetResults?MeetId=377