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Campbell River gymnasts train with Olympic coach

The clinic was a huge success with almost 40 kids participating over the weekend
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Silvia Colussi-Palaez models warm up techniques under the direction of coach Kelly Manjak during a two-day training clinic with the Campbell River Gymnastics Club last week.

Campbell River gymnasts got a vision of what it takes to get to the Olympics last week.

Todd Sader, Head Coach of Campbell River Gymnastics, invited Olympic level coach Kelly Manjak and one of his new athletes, Silvia Colussi-Pelaez, to run a coaching and training clinic for Campbell River Gymnastics Club march 30 and 31.

Manjak coached Canada’s Kyle Shewfelt to Olympic Gold on the floor exercise at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

He also just came home from the Pacific Rim competition in the U.S.  where one of his athletes, Christine Lee came home third in the all-around competition, beating the world champion on the beam for a silver medal and brought home another silver medal on the floor exercise.

The clinic was a huge success with almost 40 kids participating over the weekend. They also had 15 coaches taking part in the clinic with everyone having a great experience.

Manjak is a very approachable coach with a very positive attitude.

Colussi-Pelaez showed some of her high level gymnastics (a couple of release moves on the uneven bars with a double layout dismount) and some nice beam and floor work.

Colussi-Pelaez went to World Championships representing Spain as she has dual citizenship.

Just to see her in the Campbell River gym going through basics and high level gymnastics made it real for the local athletes.

The motivation and inspiration that the athletes received from their visit was tremendous as they prepare themselves for the upcoming provincial championships.