Local Gymnasts Dominating At National Level
This May, three representatives of Alpha Gymnastics Academy competed at the Eastern Canadian Gymnastics Championships in Oshawa, all helping Team Ontario to finish in first place in the overall team competition. Alpha Gymnastics is owned and operated by 2008 Beijing Olympian Robert Stanescu and his wife, fellow gymnast Ruxandra Stanescu.
On the girl's side of the competition, Lilian Livingston competed in Level 7 (11-12 years old) earning a silver on the balance beam.
'The Eastern Competition was exciting!' exclaims Lilian. 'It was fun to be part of Team Ontario and compete against the other provinces. The competition began with a grand entry opening ceremony, on Day 1, where all the athletes rallied to display the many flags representing each province.'
She says that she endeavours to develop and learn new skills and hopes to qualify for the Canadian Championships in 2026.
'My ultimate goal is to compete for Team Canada in the Olympics,' adds Lilian. 'I am determined to work hard and train many hours to fulfill my dreams of representing my country.'
On the boy's side, Liam Pangilinan and Nathaniel Workman represented Alpha Gymnastics in Level 2 (11+ years old). Liam finished second place all-around, taking bronze on rings, vault, and parallel bars, and also silver on pommel horse and high bar.
'The event was really fun and exciting,' says Liam. 'It was really cool seeing different athletes from other provinces.'
Liam admits he was nervous as the event started, but his confidence grew as the championships went on. 'It was a happy moment placing so well and helping Team Ontario get first place,' he adds. 'I felt like my hard work preparing for this competition season really paid off.'
Liam says that he hopes to move up a level in competition and hopefully make Nationals next year, but his dream is to make the Olympics someday, much like his coach did in 2008.
Nathaniel impressively captured first place all-around at the event, winning gold in pommel horse, vault, and high bar, and a bronze for his floor exercise.
'It always feels good to place well but it is especially cool when you and your teammates are doing it for your province!' states Nathaniel. '(Oshawa) was much like the Ontario Championships that we went to in Amherstburg this year. I actually preferred the venue and setup in Amherstburg, but it is a super experience getting to hear the other provinces' fans and compete against their athletes at this competition.'
Nathaniel was not a fan of the trampoline event running simultaneously with the events he was competing in, but was appreciative of the lively home crowd that cheered Ontario on. He adds that he would like to compete at next year's Nationals and hopes to one day get a college scholarship and get a chance at the Olympics like his coach did.
'All three athletes also achieved placements between fourth and eighth in various categories, demonstrating consistency and excellence across the board,' added Coach Robert Stanescu.
In addition to the amazing performances of Lily, Liam, and Nathaniel, Alpha Gymnast Daniel Hodare will also be representing Team Ontario at the 2025 Canadian Gymnastics Championships in Calgary at the end of May.
'I am so thrilled to once again represent Ontario in the upcoming 2025 Canadian National Championships in Calgary, Alberta,' says Daniel. 'It is always an honour to show what our province can do on the national stage while competing against the very best in the country. I have been working towards this goal for many years and have been dreaming of this moment all season.'
Daniel says he will be competing solely on the still rings this year, and is ready to show his full potential and put on a show for the spectators.
'I am so thankful for this opportunity to compete with my friends, for the support of all those around me throughout the season, and for this chance to share my gratitude with the community,' he added.
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