Niagara gymnasts will be in national spotlight
Nyla Morabito, Ava Pietrangelo qualify to represent Niagara Quantum Gymnastics at Canadian championships
A pair of gymnasts from Niagara are heading to the big stage.
Nyla Morabito, 13, of Welland and Ava Pietrangelo, 12, of Niagara Falls will compete at the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Canadian Championships May 22-27 in Waterloo.
It’s the first time Niagara Quantum Gymnastics had two members qualify for nationals.
Pietrangelo broke her elbow last year, and reaching nationals was a primary driver in her motivation. She was bound for nationals after qualifying for Team Ontario, yet couldn’t attend because of her injury.
“Nationals did not seem out of reach for me, but I knew that I had to do what I normally do to get there,” said Pietrangelo. “My goal this year was to compete and make the team.”
Pietrangelo placed fifth overall in the Level 9 division at the provincial championships in Windsor recently.
“I find my inspiration from my friends and family, my teammates and also my idols,” she said. “I motivate myself by doing what I need to take care of my body.
“I know if I take the time to ice, sleep and eat properly then maybe I won't be as tired or sore.”
Morabito competed at nationals last year and is in the national novice program.
She pushed herself to be in the top group of Elite Canada, which is an annual event that determines the top junior and senior rhythmic gymnasts in Canada. She made the cut and received high performance status.
“What I’ve learned from the past season being in my second year as a national novice gymnast is that the training and competition is a lot more serious,” she said. “There is a lot more reps and numbers for the skills and routines that I need to complete to be ready for competitions.
“My coaches have plans in place to help me to become a better athlete. We’ve added yoga, massages, a running coach and a nutritionist to my program to help me stay healthy and strong.
“It is fun getting to learn new skills and being able to perform them.”
Morabito is a gymnastics junkie and enjoys watching competitions from NCAA to the Olympics, which is where she wants to represent Canada in the future.
“This is where I find inspiration from all the athletes in my sport,” she said. “I think about all the new skills I want to learn in order to push myself to get better.
“One day, I hope to get a scholarship for gymnastics, or represent Canada in the Olympics.”