Nathan Gafuik

Calgary’s Gafuik takes the lead at Elite Canada gymnastics meet
Posted Saturday, February 27, 2010

Two-time Olympian Nathan Gafuik topped the men’s senior field in three of six events on Saturday and has the all around lead after the first of two days of competition at the 2010 Elite Canada gymnastics event in Alymer, Quebec.

Gafuik, one of the veterans on the Canadian men’s squad gearing up for the 2012 London, Olympics posted the highest scores on floor, vault and high bar and was second best on rings and parallel bars for an all around score of 88.40.

Ken Ikeda of Abottsford, B.C, the only other member of Canada’s 2008 Olympic team in the competition, was second all around with 84.750 points and Hugh Smith of Halifax is third at 82.550.

“I hit on five of my six routines and only missed the dismount on the pommel horse, so it was a good day,” said Gafuik, a key member of the rebuilding men’s team following the retirement of Calgary’s Kyle Shewfelt and three other members of the 2008 Olympic team.

Gafuik said he was particularly pleased with his high bar routine after struggling at times over the last year in one of his best events.

“I’ve been on the brink and today it all game together,” said Gafuik, crediting a demanding recent training camp in Mexico with getting him back on track.

“We all worked really hard at the camp and it was exactly what I needed.”

Canadian men’s program director Jeff Thompson of Vancouver also singled nine-year national team veteran Ikeda and rising star Jason Scott of Richmond, B.C. for their performances.

“Ken is remarkable and is doing better routines than ever while Jason has been quite impressive with his clean all around gymnastics,” said Thompson.

In the junior competition, Robert Watson of Richmond, B.C. is first all around with a score of 84.20.

Jaylan Birl of Mississauga is second with 83.250 points and Tariq Dowers is a close third at 83.000.

In the Tyro class Joshua Stuart of Richmond, B.C. is first and in the Argo competition for under-12 competitors Nicolas Garfias of Abbotsford, B.C. is the leader.

The competition concludes on Sunday.

RESULTS DAY 1

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