Georgian Jumpers’ Starstruck compete at the world championships in Florida
FLORIDA - The Georgian Jumpers senior team, Starstruck, just had an experience of a lifetime. On July 30 Meghan McGill, Katie Partridge, Krystyn Hrycyna, Jocelyn Simon, and Vivi Henry travelled to Tampa Bay, Florida, with some of their parents and myself as head coach.
They were going to compete at the World Youth Rope Skipping Championships. Eleven hundred athletes from nineteen countries have been training all year with their ultimate goal to compete at this biennial event. Only the top five teams from each country qualify so it is a very significant accomplishment.
The competition was held at the University of South Florida over three days.
The first day was team speed and freestyle events. The athletes did very well and finished 9th and 10th in their two speed events. It was an incredible experience to be out on the floor of a huge arena competing against teams from all over the world with thousands of people watching. This event was also live streamed which meant the team’s supporters back in Parry Sound and all over the world were able to watch.
According to FISAC rules one of their Canadian events, double dutch pairs speed is considered a specialty event at this competition. At Nationals, Starstruck qualified for this event and it was their only event on the second day. The highlight of this day was watching fellow Canadians from the Lincoln Leapers receive a gold medal for this event.
The third day was individual Master’s events. By finishing in the top five nationally in their age categories Meghan and Jocelyn qualified to compete. Both of these athletes had excellent results and both of them finished as the top Canadian in their respective age categories.
Immediately following the Youth Competition was the World Championships. Myself and the assistant coach, Rosi, along with three of the athletes stayed to watch. It was absolutely incredible to see what other countries can do. Each country has its own unique style of jump rope and to see them all come together at one competition was incredible. After the competition was over there was a full day of camp and some social activities. Our athletes participated with athlete’s from around the world.
When I started coaching the Georgian Jumpers six years ago the thought of this team qualifying for the FISAC World Championships seemed virtually inconceivable. Coaching these athletes over the past years and watching them reach their goal of qualifying to attend a competition of this caliber has been a very humbling experience. I am truly grateful for all of the support from the wonderful community of Parry Sound. The athletes and I have always felt your support in our endeavor to reach our goals.
At this high point in the team’s accomplishments I am choosing to step down as the head coach of the Georgian Jumpers. I wish the athletes the best of luck as they continue to train for upcoming events under the guidance of the new executive.
(Submitted by Shawnna McGill.)
