Good showing for Orlov at baton nationals

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This article was published 23/7/2018 (823 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The sky seems to be the limit for Yonatan Orlov.

The 19-year-old Sage Creek resident is a member of Greendell Baton and Dance that operates out of Greendell Park Community Centre, which is located at 75 Woodlawn Ave. in St. Vital.

Orlov recently took part in the Canadian Baton Twirling Championships that were held at the Investor’s Group Athletic Centre at the University of Manitoba, and he was part of a Greendell team — coached by Dana Peteleski and Sara Sabeski — that did pretty well at the prestigious event.

"I finished first in my solo and freestyle, second in three-baton, fourth in solo dance, and fifth in two-baton," said Orlov, who will soon enter his second year majoring in kinesiology.

To add to this, the Glenlawn Collegiate alumnus was also awarded the Canadian Baton Twirling Federation male athlete of the year award; the Canadian Baton Twirling Federation Ron Kopas men’s solo award, which is presented to the male twirler with the highest solo score at nationals; and he was also crowned the men’s national grand national champion.

And now, Orlov is mentally and physically preparing to compete at the 2018 World Baton Twirling Championships in Florida that will run from Aug. 2 to 5, which is a challenge the teen is looking forward to.

"I’m extremely excited about to go and compete on the world floor again after my last world championships, which was in 2016 in Sweden," Orlov said.

"It’s a great honour to represent my country at the world championships in Florida, and my goal for the competition is to perform the best freestyle that I can do and not let nerves or fear get in the way. A big part of baton twirling is being able to focus on the task, which comes with practice, and so my other goal is to overcome the mental blocks that I might encounter during practice or at the championships."

In terms of the future, Orlov — who got his first taste of twirling at a school talent show in Grade 6 — wants to continue to evolve and make his mark on the sport.

"My hopes and dreams for the future are to continue to twirl and to get more involved in the coaching and judging side of the sport, which is much different to the competing side."

Go online at the Manitoba Baton Twirling Sportive Association’s website at www.manitobabaton.com for more information.