Duncan Dynamics gymnast Darby McIntyre will be competing at the Western Canadian Championships this month after qualifying through the Twisters Invitational in Abbotsford last month.
The Level 10 gymnast tied for first all-around at the Twisters meet, securing a spot on Team BC at the Western Canadian Championships in Brandon, Manitoba on April 26, where she will compete against the best in her sport from the four western provinces and the Yukon.
By locking up top spot in the qualifying meet, McIntyre earned her coach, Anna Mataganova, the job of coaching Team BC.
McIntyre and since-graduated teammate Micaylla Broadway made the team for Western Canadians last year, and Broadway finished first all-around, but it was more of a challenge this time around.
“Last year there were just seven of us, and seven go [to Western Canadians],” the 17-year-old said. “This year there were 12 of us. I was a little nervous for it, but it all turned out OK.”
In addition to her all-around gold, McIntyre won gold on beam, silver on floor and bronze on vault and received the Kate Richardson Award of Excellence for her performance, dedication and passion for gymnastics.
“I’m hoping our team will do well; we have a really good team this year,” she said. “I’m hoping to do well on beam, floor and vault, hoping to medal in them this year, and for bars my goal is just staying on.”
Joining McIntyre at the Twisters meet were Dynamics Level 8 gymnasts Tahara Brown and Brooklyn Stobbe. Brown won bronze in vault and finished fifth all-around, and Stobbe finished fourth on beam and sixth all-around.
McIntyre and 12 other Dynamics gymnasts will compete at the provincial championships in Port Coquitlam this weekend. As a Level 10 gymnast, McIntyre will also be trying to qualify for the Canadian championships, where she placed fourth on floor last year and won bronze as a member of Team BC.