Ottawa, ON (June 9, 2026) – Gymnastics Canada is pleased to announce its 2025 Athletes and Coaches of the Year. Presented annually, these awards recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Canadian gymnastics through their performances, leadership, and commitment to the sport during the 2025 season.
The awards were presented during the 2026 Canadian Championships, where members of the Canadian gymnastics’ community came together to celebrate the achievements and contributions of this year’s recipients.
Rhythmic Gymnastics
In Rhythmic Gymnastics, Suzanna Shahbazian (QC) has been named the 2025 Senior Athlete of the Year after an exceptional season as Canada’s top-ranked senior athlete. She successfully defended her Elite Canada and Canadian Championship titles, was Canada’s highest-ranked athlete at the 2025 World Championships and earned selection to the Senior Pan American Championships Team. Her coach, Natalia Popova, is recognized as the 2025 Senior Coach of the Year for her leadership and contribution to Suzanna’s success.
The 2025 Junior Athlete of the Year Award is presented to Lillian Yevzlin (ON) for her outstanding achievements as a member of Canada’s National Team Junior Group. Lillian competed at the 2025 Junior World Championships, helped Canada achieve a 16th-place All-Around finish, and delivered a dominant performance at Elite Canada, winning the Junior High Performance All-Around title along with three gold medals and one bronze. Her coach, Tatsiana Kastenkava, is honored as the 2025 Junior Coach of the Year in recognition of her role in Lillian’s development and success.
Acrobatic Gymnastics
Gymnastics Canada is proud to recognize Saskatchewan’s historic Women’s Senior Trio of Katie Thompson, Jerusha Weeks, and Meagan Kasian (SK) as the 2025 Senior Athletes of the Year in Acrobatic Gymnastics. The trio made history as the first-ever senior women’s trio from Saskatchewan and achieved remarkable success on the international stage, capturing the All-Around Gold Medal at the 2025 Senior Pan American Championships. Their outstanding performances, dedication, and pioneering achievements have elevated the profile of acrobatic gymnastics in Canada. Their coach, Danielle Roy, is honoured as the 2025 Senior Coach of the Year in Acrobatic Gymnastics for her leadership and guidance in helping the trio reach new heights of excellence.
Double–Mini Trampoline & Power Tumbling
The Tamara O’Brien Awards celebrate athletes and coaches who demonstrate not only exceptional athletic achievement, but also the passion, sportsmanship, and love for gymnastics exemplified by the late Tamara O’Brien. A world-class athlete and one of Canada’s greatest representatives on the international stage, Tamara inspired everyone around her through her unwavering commitment to the sport and her teammates.
This year’s Tamara O’Brien Junior Athlete of the Year is Hayden Good (BC), who captured a bronze medal in Double Mini-Trampoline at the 2025 World Junior Championships, showcasing tremendous potential on the world stage. Jared Matthews (ON) is recognized as the Tamara O’Brien Senior Athlete of the Year following his historic fifth-place finish in Power Tumbling at the 2025 World Championships, one of the best performances by a Canadian athlete in the discipline. Gavin Dodd (BC) is also honoured as a Tamara O’Brien Senior Athlete of the Year after earning a bronze medal at The World Games in Double-Mini Trampoline, and a bronze medal at the World Cup in Italy in the same discipline. The Tamara O’Brien Coach of the Year Award is presented to Jake Maxim, whose coaching excellence played a key role in Hayden Good’s international success.
Trampoline Gymnastics
The award for Senior Athletes of the Year in Trampoline is presented to the Women’s Synchro pair of Sophiane Méthot (QC) and Sarah Milette (QC), whose exceptional partnership produced a very successful season. Together, they were crowned World Cup Series Champions, won a bronze medal at The World Games, captured gold medals at the World Cups in Antibes, France, and Cottbus, Germany, and earned a silver medal at the World Cup in Coimbra, Portugal. Their coach, Karina Kosko, is recognized as the 2025 Senior Coach of the Year.
Brayden Renou (BC) has been named the 2025 Junior Athlete of the Year following an impressive season that included competing at the World Age Group Championships in Pamplona, Spain, where he placed 18th in Trampoline and 10th in Double Mini-Trampoline in the 13–14 age group, while also earning the title of 2025 Junior Canadian Champion. His coach, Jamie Gardner, is recognized as the 2025 Junior Coach of the Year for her commitment to Brayden’s development and success.
Artistic Gymnastics
In Artistic Gymnastics, Lia Monica Fontaine (QC) and Coralie Demers (QC) have been named the 2025 Senior and Junior Athletes of the Year, respectively, following outstanding seasons at both the national and international levels. Lia-Monica captured multiple titles at Elite Canada and the Canadian Championships, earned five medals at the Pan American Championships, including gold on Floor Exercise, and secured a silver medal on Vault at the 2025 World Championships. Coralie claimed the All-Around titles at both Elite Canada and the Canadian Championships and represented Canada at both the Junior Pan American Games and Junior World Championships, where she earned a bronze medal on Vault. Their coaches, Claude Pelletier and Quentin Midrouillet, are recognized as the 2025 Senior and Junior Coaches of the Year for their leadership and contributions to their athletes’ success.
In Men’s Artistic Gymnastics, Aidan Li (QC) and Thomas Tittley (QC) have been named the 2025 Senior and Junior Athletes of the Year, respectively, in recognition of their achievements on the international stage. Aidan highlighted his season with a top-eight finish on Pommel Horse at the 2025 World Championships, a historic finish for Canada on this apparatus. Thomas’ season highlights include competing at the Junior Pan American Games, earning Gold on Floor and Silver on Horizontal Bar, and contributing to Canada’s Junior World Championships Team. Their coaches, Wajdi Bouallegue and Brice Bernard, are recognized as the 2025 Senior and Junior Coaches of the Year for their commitment to athlete development and performance excellence.
Gymnastics Canada extends its congratulations to all recipients and thanks them for their contributions to the sport. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and the positive impact they continue to have within the Canadian gymnastics’ community.