Whitby will be well represented at the women’s gymnastic competition in the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, Korea, this September, with three of the six girls on the team hailing from Whitby.
“I was happy. I really was not expecting anything. I just wanted to do a good show and see what needed work,” said 15 year-old Lori Strong who placed first in the Olympic trials held Montreal last week.
Strong will be joined on the women’s team by 18-year old Christina MacDonald and 16-year-old Larissa Lowing.
All three belong to the Winstonettes Gymnastics Club of Scarborough.
Coach Debbie Vidman was very pleased with the girls’ performance.
“I couldn’t be more happy. I knew all three should make the team but you have to be prepared for the unexpected. A disastrous event could happen,” said Vidmar.
Finishing second in the trials with a score of 153.650 points was MacDonald who admits that, at her age, this is her only chance at going to the Olympics.“I didn’t expect to finish second but I competed consistently,” said MacDonald.
While for many of the girls at the trials the competition was tense, MacDonald said she looked at the competition differently.
“I tried to enjoy the meet. This was my last chance,” said MacDonald, who broke her ankle and required surgery just before the 1984 Olympic trials.
She said she had no problems with her foot at this year’s competition.
While she was consistent throughout the trials, MacDonald says she has not yet hit her peak.
“I hope to do my best for the team,” she said. The Canadian gymnastics team finished eighth in the world championships last year, the highest a Canadian team has ever placed.
“Our (Canada’s) reputation is getting stronger,” said MacDonald.
