Big win at Western Canadian championships for local gymnast

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This article was published 15/05/2017 (3125 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Bronze might just be Alexis Gillespie’s favourite colour at the moment.

The 13-year-old St. Vital resident was among the medallists at the recent Western Canadian gymnastics championships in Brandon, Man., last month.

In total, Manitoba athletes came home with 22 medals from the meet, which was hosted by the Manitoba Gymnastics Association and the Brandon Eagles Gymnastics Club.

In her particular women’s team category — JO 10: 12-15 yrs — Gillespie placed fifth all around and won bronze in the vault, uneven bars and floor exercise. She is now preparing to head to Montreal to compete in the 2017 Canadian championships, which will be held from May 23 to 28.

A member of the St. Boniface-based Panthers Gymnastics club, Gillespie is a protégé of the club’s co-head coach and manager, Robert Persechino, who is her main coach, and co-head coach and program director, Helene Desmarais.

“Alexis started when she was 7 years old,” Desmarais said. “She’s one of our most dedicated gymnasts and works really hard. It’s quite good for her to come back with three medals and everyone at Panthers was quite excited.”

Desmarais said Gillespie, who typically trains for around 25 hours a week, started life at the club when she registered for a recreational program.

“She’s moved up and up and up and now there’s nothing stopping her. Alexis has got so much energy and (she’s) quite a serious little pumpkin. She’s very dedicated and serious about gymnastics. So far, I don’t see any limits to what she’s doing. Alex is a great person and we’re very proud.”

Desmarais noted there will be four athletes from the Panthers competing at the upcoming nationals.

Gillespie, who attends Hastings School, was pleased with her recent showing in Brandon.

“It feels pretty good. It was actually my fifth westerns, so it was five times a charm,” Gillespie said.

The teen also takes great pride in being a role model for some of the other gymnasts at the club and works hard to be the best she can be.

“Even if I’m having a hard day, I try and set a good example for the other gymnasts. I try to eat healthily and not throw tantrums. Sometimes, you have to work hard mentally and think about how a move is going to work out because gymnastics is about being strong mentally and physically,” Gillespie said.

While it’s still a bit early to decide on her future plans, Gillespie wouldn’t rule out pursuing a gymnastics scholarship.

“I’ve seen a lot of older teammates going to college and getting scholarships, so that’s an option. Some place hot like Florida would be nice,” she said, with a laugh.

“The club is like my second home and I always look forward to going there. I’m so thankful to Robert and Helene for their support and everything they’ve done for me over the years, especially when they’ve pushed me through barriers.”  

       
Visit panthersgymnastics.ca to learn more about the club.

simon.fuller@canstarnews.com

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