Whitby gymnast Lori Strong added to her long list of accomplishments at the Canadian Nationals held in Winnipeg over the weekend by coming the first in Canadian history to be given a perfect score.
Strong, a 14-year-old Grade 9 student at Anderson C.V.I. capped the gold medal in both the vault and bar as a result of her perfect tally. She also managed to earn a bronze medal in the balance beam and floor exercises.
She placed second overall with a total score of 76.70, narrowly edged by Monica Covacci, of Seneca College. Oshawa gymnast coach Debbie Vidmar suggested Strong would have taken the all-round gold had she not slipped from the balance beam during her routine.
CHIRSTINA McDONALD
Teammate Christina McDonald of Whitby won a gold medal on the balance beam and finished third overall with a total score of 76.50.
LARISSA LOWING
Yet another member of the club, Larissa Lowing is a youngster to watch in the future according to Coach Debbi Vidmar. The 14-year-old public school student placed ninth-overall, a great accomplishment for a newcomer.
LORI STRONG
Strong is currently training for an international meet in Rome slated for next month while McDonald and Lowing will be competing in Bulgaria during June. All three are preparing for the world championship trials coming up in October in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
