Though Karys Barker, 15, is in her first year of Level 8 gymnastics, her skills have already earned her a spot on the provincial team. 

Barker, who trains at Momentum Gymnastics, competed at the Twisters Invitational in March and, as one of the top seven gymnasts out of approximately 46, made Team BC and will be heading to take part in the Western Championships in Saskatchewan April 24-26. 

鈥淲e just want to recognize her,鈥� Venables said. 鈥淲e haven鈥檛 had anyone make the BC Team in artistic from this club.鈥�

At the Westerns, she and her teammates will compete against top athletes from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon and the Northwest Territories in artistic gymnastics, which coach gym owner Shawnee Venables said is all the 鈥渢ypical鈥� events. The girls will compete individually in events, but also as a team against the other provinces, giving it another dynamic. 

The Westerns are the highest level of competition for Level 8, with only Levels 9 and 10 going on to the Canadian Championships. 

鈥淲e just want to congratulate her for going and making Team BC, representing our small town and being part of something bigger,鈥� Venables added. 鈥淪he鈥檚 worked really hard for it, she trains a lot.鈥�