Humboldt’s Taylor Possberg won men’s artistic athlete of the year for levels 1-3 at a Gymnastics Saskatchewan Awards Gala.
On Nov. 5 in Regina, he received his award - but it took a few tries.
“When they announced my name, I didn’t think it was me, so they had to announce it again,” Possberg says.
The 10-year-old has been practicing gymnastics since he was a toddler. This year was particularly successful, with a 1st all-around at competitions in Yorkton and Saskatoon and a 2nd all-around in Regina.
Possberg says his favourite is the pommel - “not that many people can do it” - and he doesn’t enjoy the floor as much - “I’m not that flexible.”
His favourite part of gymnastics is meeting new people. Possberg plans to keep practicing the sport until he makes it to the Olympics. His short-term goal is to move up a level from his current level two.
Carolyn MacLean is president of the board at Calico Gymnastics, where Possberg trains. She was excited to hear about his award.
“It was just amazing because we’re a fairly small club to be able to have such a successful gymnast and be recognized for it,” she says.
“I just hope that he keeps the love for the sport and maybe spreads it to others because gymnastics is such a subjective sport as well. It’s nice that he’s recognized but it’s nice that he has a true love for gymnastics and I think that’s the most important.
“If he can share that with our community, especially with Calico Gymnastics having a new facility, hopefully we can get more boys involved through his love and dedication to the sport.”
Possberg was honoured alongside another athlete from his gym.
Marie Millette, another 10-year-old from Calico, was recognized for her success after winning all-around provincial champion at the Junior Olympic 6 level.
“She was very honoured, especially because Isabela Onyshko, who was on the Olympic Canadian team, was the one who presented her the award…on behalf of Gymnastics Saskatchewan,” says Roxanne Millette, her mother.
Marie, who trains 16 hours a week, is aiming to compete at the next level up - Junior Olympic 7.
“She’s been doing gymnastics since she was probably 3 or 4 and just really enjoyed it and liked watching the big girls and wanted to be like them,” Millette says.
“As long as she’s enjoying it and enjoying the training, she can stay in it as long as she wants and we’ll support her.”
