Canada's Shewfelt tumbles to bronze.
CBC.CA News

The men's floor competition at the world gymnastics championships was expected to be a battle of the titans and it didn't disappoint. With four former world champions and reigning Olympic champion Kyle Shewfelt of Calgary in the mix, the title was up for grabs Friday at the competition in Aarhus, Denmark.

Romania's Marian Dragulescu collected his country's first gold medal of the championships and captured his third world title in the event using a routine full of complex and powerful tumbling sequences. Dragulescu edged out defending champ Diego Hypolito of Brazil and Shewfelt, who settled for bronze. "Those two guys are pushing the start value so high and that meant that for me there was absolutely no room for error to come up with a bronze medal," said Shewfelt.

Shewfelt equalled his result on the floor from the 2003 world championships, where he also won bronze in vault. At last year's worlds, Shewfelt's teammate Brandon O'Neill of Edmonton captured a silver in the event.

Earlier in the week, Shewfelt led the Canada's men's team consisting of fellow Calgarians Adam Wong and Nathan Gafuik, Ken Ikeda of Abbotsford, B.C., David Kikuchi of Halifax and O'Neill to a best-ever, sixth-place result in the men's team final on Tuesday. "I really wanted to put 95 per cent of my effort into the team competition because for me right now the most important thing is getting our full team qualified for the next Olympic Games," said the 24-year-old Shewfelt.

Shewfelt, who has been battling tendinitis in his left heel for several months, was the only Canadian male gymnast to qualify for an individual final.

Toronto's Elyse Hopfner-Hibbs won Canada's first medal in women's competition at the world gymnastics championships Saturday. Hopfner-Hibbs won the bronze medal in the eight-woman beam final. ``It feels amazing,'' Hopfner-Hibbs said. ``When I first came into the gym today my goal was not to focus on the scores because I know that gets me nervous, so I just focused on doing the routine I train every day and hitting each single part and I did that.''

Hibbs executed a routine that included a move known as an ``aerial, layout, layout,'' a string of three consecutive somersaults that quickly took her from one end of the beam to the other. ``It was an unbelievable moment for Elyse,'' coach Carol-Angela Orchard said. ``She has worked really hard and she really does have an original, wonderful beam routine, so it's nice to see it rewarded here.''

Orchard said her pupil has been helped by the guidance of Calgary native Kyle Shewfelt, who won bronze in the floor event Friday. ``Kyle takes the time to come over and talk with her at every competition and he really believes in her and that's not a bad advantage to you have an Olympic champion in your corner.''

China won more than half the 14 golds that were awarded this week, a staggering display of dominance for the country getting ready to host the 2008 Olympics. The Americans, meanwhile, picked up their fifth silver when Jana Bieger finished second to Cheng on the floor exercise. But the team that came in as a heavy favourite will leave Denmark without a single victory.

Five medals for Canada to conclude short track speed skating World Cup.

CHANGCHUN, China- François-Louis Tremblay of Montreal and Charles Hamelin of Ste-Julie, Que., each stepped on the podium twice on Sunday to highlight a five-medal performance for Canada to conclude the first stop on the short track speed skating World Cup circuit.

In the men’s 1,000, Olympic champion Ahn Hyun-soo of South Korea took the gold finishing ahead of Tremblay in second and Mathieu Giroux of Montreal, who placed third for the bronze.  The race was initially called back after three of the four finalists crashed halfway through.   South Korea’s Lee Ho-suk was disqualified, leaving three skaters for the re-start.

‘’Mathieu had a problem with his blade as well so it came down between Ahn and I,’’ said Tremblay, the gold medallist in the 500 on Saturday and a double medallist at last winter’s Olympics.  ‘’I was pleased with how I raced.  It’s great to start the season on such a strong note.’’

In the men’s 5,000-metre relay the South Koreans took the gold edging the second-place Canadians at the finish. The Canadian racers were Tremblay, Hamelin, Olivier Jean of Lachenaie, Que., and Steve Robillard of Montreal.

‘’It came down to the last relay, again between Ahn and I in the last two laps,’’ said Tremblay.  ‘’I did my best to protect the lead but Ahn is very dangerous every time he steps on the ice.  As a team we did a lot of good things in this race and I think we’re on track to eventually beat the Koreans.’’

Hamelin added a bronze in the men’s 1,500 with Jean, the 500 silver medallilst Saturday,  placing fourth.

In the women’s 3,000 relay, South Korea took the gold with China second and Canada third.  The Canadian skaters were Anouk Leblanc-Boucher of Montreal, Kalyna Roberge of Ste-Etienne-de-Lauzon, Que., Amanda Overland of Kitchener, Ont., and Raphaele Lemieux of Riviere-du-Loup, Que.

‘’Our women’s team has been hit by injuries so these results are better than expected,’’ said Canadian national team coach Martin Gagné of Montreal.  ‘’Our goal is to peak for the world championships (in March) and that’s what we’re going to keep focused on.’’

In the 1,000 metres, Roberge placed sixth and Overland seventh.  In the 1,500, Leblanc-Boucher was seventh, Nita Avrith of Montreal ninth and Lemieux 11th.

Crawford takes the reins; Cross-country gold medallist now leading national team.
The Calgary Sun

The last time we saw Chandra Crawford, the bubbly Canmore skier stole the nation's heart with one of the most surprising gold medals in Canadian Olympic history. She followed it up with some podium air guitar, a stirring rendition of O' Canada and a CBC interview as memorable as her smile.

Since then, the 22-year-old cross-country phenom has been on the ride of her life."I've been spending most of my time on my Lear jet between here and the Caribbean Island I bought," she chuckled before being asked if she's recognized on the street."It's Canmore -- I was recognized on the street before all this happened anyway. "Although there was one lady who stopped me and started kissing me all over my face."

OK, so while the new leader of Canada's 15-person cross-country ski team may not have her mug attract attention -- or be smothered in smooches -- anywhere outside her hometown, her life obviously underwent several changes since she took the cross-country sprint final by storm in Italy last February.

Heavily in demand on the speaking circuit, she's since signed on with four significant sponsors to help pay for that island. She's by no means set for life but her newfound comfort level could have been upgraded had she decided to take up some of the offers thrown her way instead of returning to the sport.

"I spent a lot of time getting a lot of attention in the spring -- I was totally overwhelmed by the Olympic hoopla," said Crawford, who leaned on the advice of golden gang Catriona Le May Doan, Kyle Shewfelt and Jennifer Heil to steer her through the sudden popularity. "Thing is, my life could have changed but the chance to race on my home turf in 2010 is the opportunity of a lifetime."

Making that opportunity even more delicious is yesterday's announcement the Canadian Olympic Development Association is putting $2 million into expanding the training centre at the Canmore Nordic Centre where her Olympic dream was born.
"I wouldn't be an Olympic champion if I didn't have this facility in my hometown," said Crawford, who'll now head to Europe to begin the 2006-07 cross-country World Cup circuit. "It's everything we could possibly need to be prepared for 2010 so when we get to the line we can say, 'I'm ready.' What a time to be a Canadian athlete."

Refreshing words from a former biathlete who is expected to lead a team devoid of pioneers Beckie Scott (retired) and Sara Renner (pregnant.) The inspiration they provided leads her to believe the Canadian team's recent breakthroughs will continue. It also motivated her to launch a skiing program for girls aged nine to 19 called Fast and Female.

"The Olympics ... were too crazy -- it's still a little bit incredible for me to see pictures and believe it was me," said Crawford. "Hey, if 'Crawford' can do it, so can my teammates.' " A wealth of inspiration indeed.

Olympians receive honourary doctorates.
The Calgary Herald

Two of Canada's Olympic heroes are now also doctors. Speed skaters Cindy Klassen and Clara Hughes were given honorary doctorates of law Thursday by the University of Manitoba.

The degrees are the latest in a list of honours since the pair chalked up their stunning achievements at the 2006 Winter Olympics."I got a phone call from the president and it was quite a shock and an honour," said Klassen, who won five medals in Turin, including one gold.

Hughes, who won two medals, expressed similar surprise at receiving her call. "The president (Emoke Szathmary) was asking me if I wanted to receive a doctorate," said Hughes, the only Canadian athlete to medal in both summer and winter games. "I asked her if anyone ever turned it down. How could you refuse that? It's really an honour."

Ironically, neither Klassen nor Hughes finished university. Both attended the University of Manitoba but left to pursue their athletic dreams. The pair flew in for the ceremony from Calgary, where they are currently in training.

Szathmary said the university can bestow honorary doctorates in letters, science or laws. Law was chosen for this trio because it cuts across the spectrum of life experience.

Athletes welcome extra funds that nurture Olympic dreams: RONA program will aid 100 top competitors.
The Calgary Herald

As the Olympic dream becomes more and more costly -- both on a personal and financial level -- another member of corporate Canada has stepped forward to ease the burden.

RONA announced Thursday it is initiating its Growing With Our Athletes program, in which 100 high-performance athletes will receive financial aid over the next five years. It is welcome news, particularly in a city where the cost of living continues to rise at an alarming rate. "It's such a big deal,'' concurred Canmore's Brian McKeever, one of the 54 Winter Olympics prospects on the receiving end of a $40,000 grant. "Plus, it's a Canadian company helping Canadian athletes. All we've ever wanted was to show off our Canadian colours and to have support like this is great.''

For the 27-year-old McKeever -- winner of four medals, including two gold, in the visually impaired cross-country division at the 2006 Paralympic Games in Turin, Italy -- the money will go toward everyday expenses, such as the mortgage and groceries. "It's a great sense of security, knowing your needs are taken care of,'' said the full-time athlete. "When you're competing so far away from home, you can get detached from those things. All that stress of when you have to make that next mortgage payment and athletes eat an embarrassing amount of food.

"It also helps you feel more independent as an athlete. We talk a lot about professional sports and amateur sports get forgotten, except during Olympic years. It makes us feel part of the sports community.''

Skeleton's Paul Boehm, meanwhile, has first-hand knowledge of how quickly the Olympic vision may be dashed. A carpenter by trade, he suffered a severe knee injury while competing three years ago, which made earning a living -- never mind training -- rather onerous. "I was incapable of working, so I got whatever part-time jobs I could, which was difficult,'' he said. "So I had to move away from training and missed out on rehabilitation. If I didn't have my teammates, I probably would have quit, even as big as the Olympic dream was.''

Through sheer determination, the 32-year-old rebounded from injury and finished fourth at the Turin Winter Games. "It's one thing to start up a sport and know your efforts should result in rewards,'' Boehm said. "But when you see corporate Canada showing that support, and then you get two out of three medals (in Turin), those results are in black and white.''

Included among the 46 Summer Olympians and Paralympians who are benefitting from this program as they prepare for the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing are 2004 gold medal gymnast Kyle Shewfelt, cyclist Samantha Cools and top-ranked fencer Sherraine MacKay.

Athletes were chosen through consultation with the Canadian Olympic Committee and the Canadian Paralympic Committee.

Sharp Golden at the Sunkist International Wrestling Tourney.  Team Canada top in the team standings.

Erica Sharp defeated 2003 World bronze medalist Jenny Wong in the Finals of the Sunkist international wrestling tournament this past weekend in Phoenix Arizona. 

Sharp ended the day with four straight victories, and helped lead Team Canada to the team title at the event.  Calgary Training centre athletes had a tremendous day, as all five female athletes who attended the competition made it to the gold medal match at their respective categories. 

Also competing from Calgary were Brit Laverdure at 55kg, Jazmyne Barker at 59kg, Justine Bouchard at 63kg, Pam Wilson at 72kg, and in the Men's Competition was Beamer Comfort at 96kg. 

Laverdure, who was female athlete of the Year for the University of Calgary this past year continues to gain momentum on the international stage.  She lost a close three round decision in the finals to the USA's top ranked wrestler Marcie VanDusen.  Van Dusen squeeked out a two round to one decision over Laverdure and later was awarded as tournament Outstanding Wrestler with the victory over 22 competitors at her weight. 

Also with very notable performances were Jasmyne Barker and Justine Bouchard, both were top 5 at the Junior World Championships this past summer, and both athletes lost in the finals of this senior international competition.  Pam Wilson also a University World medalist this past summer, dropped a decision in the finals to 2005 World Champion Iris Smith of the USA.  

In the Men's Competition new comer Beamer Comfort placed 6th in the 96kg division.  It was a strong performance for the Calgary athletes in attendance.  The tournament in its 29th year is a showcase for many of the top competitors in North America. 

Reid among world's key athletes.
Hamilton Spectator

Charmaine Reid won't stop.

The 32 year old Fort Erie native and 2004 Olympian is not only pounding through an intense schedule on the world badminton circuit, but she is also stepping up as a high-profile athlete to set an inspiring example in the public eye. Monday night, she was recognized for her efforts.

After reaching the semifinal in doubles at the Brazil International and earning a spot in the final in both singles and doubles at the Fiji Open, Reid was honoured in New York City at the Women in Sports Foundation's annual awards dinner as one of nearly 100 female athletes from around the world who have contributed "to the landscape of women's sports."

"It meant a lot to me," said Reid from New York after a gala that included the musical talents of Sheryl Crow. "It's important to have role models."

Highlighted by a tribute to the founder of the Women's Sports Foundation, Billie Jean King, Reid said events like this help give more exposure to female athletes who can provide inspiration in the sports community and beyond. "In Grade 3 my dream was to go to the Olympic Games," she said. "Wayne Gretzky was a role model for me and my parents too. I would be happy if people thought of me in that way."

If it's Reid's goal to be a role model, she is taking action to achieve it. This weekend she is heading to Baker Lake, Nunavut to help coach at a badminton tournament for about 140 athletes. "You can really see the impact you have on the girls up there," she said. "I want to help them say, 'I can do other things, achieve other goals and dreams.' It's special for me to share it with them."

After leaving her mark in the north, Reid will head to Europe to compete in Turkey, Hungary and the Netherlands respectively.

Canada doubles investment: with more money comes greater expectations of our snowboarders.
The Vancouver Province

Canada's snowboarding team won only one medal at the 2006 Olympics in Turin -- a bronze by Montrealer Dominique Maltais in women's snowboardcross.

Winning just one of the 18 medals up for grabs in the sport wasn't good enough. The Canadian Snowboarding Federation knows it and plans are under way this season to strengthen the team. "I'm disappointed with the results in Turin and I think we could have done better as demonstrated through other recent performances," says Canadian Snowboard Federation High Performance program director Martin Jensen, referring to the five medals won at the 2005 world championships at Blackcomb. "However, I'm satisfied given the resources we had leading up to those Games.

"We're looking for our athletes to win and to get them to win we have to invest in them. The results aren't going to come overnight." Through the Own the Podium program, the CSF has had its funding doubled to just under $2 million for this season.

A second fulltime coach has been hired for each of the sport's three disciplines -- snowboardcross (SBX), alpine and halfpipe. In Calgary, an exact replica of the 2010 Olympic halfpipe at Cypress will be completed by Dec. 1. Canadian halfpipers will eventually be centralized there and training on it regularly.

And this season the CSF's performance enhancement team, a network of sport science professionals, are working to better prepare Canadian boarders for the job at hand -- turning in personal bests and winning events.

The program is managed by Vancouver's Jim Miller, a former Simon Fraser University and Canadian national team wrestling coach who's never been on a snowboard in his life. But Miller's approach to conditioning and preparation could be a tonic for Canada's boarders.

Whistler's Maelle Ricker finished fourth in the SBX and 23rd in halfpipe in Turin and plans to stay in for 2010. She'll continue to compete in both disciplines but will concentrate on the SBX. She welcomes the new programs."It's huge," she says. "We have so many resources available for us. In Turin we should have been one and two. The reality is, Dom and I want to be one and two all season.""I want to get more podium finishes in the boarder cross. I feel that last year I had a lot of strong placings but I didn't pull it off when it counted. I'd make a final and then I wouldn't perform. There's no reason for that. I should be able to get into the final and win."

Miller says Canada's snowboarders weren't well enough prepared to win in Turin. "In snowboard the preparation is less than what it would be in, say, rowing or wrestling," says Miller. "Mentally, they weren't ready. The Olympics is a big event with lots of pressure and there were lots of mistakes made."

Miller cited Richmond's Alexa Loo who competed in parallel giant slalom, an event that sees racers compete head-to-head in a series of races until just two are left in the final. In her opening race Loo was leading eventual gold medallist, Daniela Meuli of Switzerland, near the bottom of the run. "She was surprised to be ahead, looked over her shoulder, went off course and was passed," says Miller. "That's a mental error. If your athletes are well prepared they don't make mental errors in major competitions.

"The best people are the ones who consistently perform well on demand. We had the ability to perform well but the best athletes and countries orchestrate when that is. We want this to happen on demand."

The performance enhancement team consists of sport psychologist Dr. David Cox, Dr. Connie LeBrun, physiotherapist Marilyn Hellier, dietician Jennifer Gibson and strength and conditioning coach Anthony Findley.

Snowboarding? Dieticians? Strength and conditioning coaches? "We're being asked to deliver in 2010 which means we have to implement some degree of change," says Jensen. "It has to be treated like a business. With the amount of money being dumped into sport now there has to be certain expectations and consequences if people aren't performing in their job ... at all levels. With investment comes accountability. "I'm looking forward to what we can accomplish with the new resources."