(Toronto) Ellie Black will compete in her fourth Summer Olympics as part of the Canadian gymnastics team, which will compete in Paris.
The 28-year-old Nova Scotian, who will become the first Canadian artistic gymnast to compete in four Olympic Games, headlines a team unveiled Friday by Gymnastics Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee.
Black placed fourth in the balance beam final at the 2021 Tokyo Games, marking Canada’s best Olympic result in any women’s artistic gymnastics event.
She also placed fifth in the women’s all-around at the Rio Games in 2016, and helped Canada to a fifth-place finish in the team event at London in 2012.
“I feel a lot of pride and gratitude as I approach my fourth Olympic Games. It’s a remarkable accomplishment, Black said.
PHOTO JUSTIN TANG, CANADIAN PRESS ARCHIVES
Ellie Black competes on the balance beam at the 2024 Canadian Gymnastics Championships in Gatineau on June 7.
I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t have the support of the amazing team around me. I’m excited to be able to continue building with these girls and I can’t wait to see what our team will be able to accomplish in Paris.
Ellie Black
Shallon Olsen of Vancouver will take part in her third Games. She joins Black along with Cassie Lee, of Toronto, Ava Stewart, of Bowmanville, Ontario, and Aurélie Tran, of Repentigny.
Canada will also field a full men’s artistic gymnastics team for the first time since 2008. René Cournoyer of Repentigny, Zachary Clay of Chilliwack, B.C., Félix Dolci of Laval, William Émard of Laval and Samuel Zakutney of Ottawa are among the participants.
PHOTO DYLAN MARTINEZ, REUTERS ARCHIVES
René Cournoyer at the Tokyo Games in 2021
“Being part of this team is the opportunity of a lifetime. Not only will it allow me to participate in my second Olympic Games, but I will do it with one of the best, if not the best team of all time. We have a real chance of making history and achieving remarkable international results before the eyes of the entire planet,” said Cournoyer.
Sophiane Méthot, from Varennes, will represent Canada in trampoline.
“I am so excited and honoured to be able to represent Canada at the Paris Olympic Games. I can’t wait to experience these Games with my family and friends who will cheer me on,” said Méthot.
The gymnasts qualified for Team Canada based on their performances at the 2024 Canadian Championships, held June 6-9 in Gatineau.
The artistic gymnastics events at the Paris Games will take place from July 27 to August 5. Trampoline gymnastics will take place on August 2.