Contributed
It has been a long road to success for local gymnast, 14-year-old Maddy Moran, who is set to compete in her first overseas gymnastics competition on the island of Oahu this weekend.
Maddy will participate in The Aloha Gymfest where top teams from around the world meet and compete for top honours in the sport of gymnastics.
Maddy began her young career as a gymnast at age three while she was living in New Zealand and continued on developing her skills while later growing up in Australia.
Maddy and her family relocated to Kitimat this past year and she has been busy perfecting her routines for the several competitions she hopes to participate in this year - including the upcoming BC Winter Games in Vernon, February 23 -26 .
The requirements and skills for the Aloha Gymfest competition are much different than the requirements and skills Maddy needs here in Canada.
There was no real “break” for her, nor her coach Angela Pitzel, during the holiday season as they both readily prepared for the intense requirements of her Bars, Floor and Beam routines.
They trained for 18 hours per week, in addition to Saturdays.
Maddy will be competing in the Level 7 US division against gymnasts from the US, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and Australia.
With the support of her parents, Maddy left for Hawaii on the January 9, taking a week of training in Oahu prior to her actual weekend competition.
When asked how Maddy was feeling, her mother Ngaire Moran stated she was excited about her Bar and Floor routine, but a bit nervous about her Beam, which requires her to complete a handstand back handspring!
Maddy is also set to travel without her coach, Angela Pitzel, who could not make the journey with her.
The Kitimat Dynamics Gymnastics Club is very excited and very proud to have Maddy represent the club and Kitimat. We extend our best wishes for a successful Hawaii experience!