Ottawa, ON (June 3, 2026) – Canada’s next generation of rhythmic gymnasts delivered an impressive performance at the Junior Pan American Championships and Junior Pan American Tournament, held simultaneously from May 31 to June 2 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. With multiple medals earned across individual, group, and team events, the Canadian delegation leaves Rio with results that underscore the strength and promise of its emerging talent.
At the Junior Pan American Championships, Canada’s junior individual rhythmic gymnastics team of Nava Laksman, Lillian Yevzlin, and Milana Sholkavich captured the bronze medal in the team competition with an all-around total of 225.650.
In the group events, Alika Kozak, Bargina Ablikim, Chiara Buchignani, Evelyn Cheng, Gaomingze Li, and Maple Wu also reached the podium twice. The Canadian group earned bronze in the all-around competition with a score of 36.450 before adding a silver medal in the 5 Balls Final with a routine that scored 21.300.
At the Junior Pan American Tournament, Siana Etchein and Amelia Zhong continued Canada’s medal-winning momentum by securing bronze in the team competition with a combined score of 85.800.
Both athletes also stood out in the apparatus finals. Etchein claimed silver in Hoop with a score of 22.350 and bronze in Ribbon with 22.000. Zhong earned silver in Clubs with 22.550 and added a bronze medal in Ball with a score of 19.900.
Beyond the medal count, the performances in Rio showcased the strength of Canada’s emerging talent and offer an encouraging glimpse of the country’s future on the international stage.
Full Pan American Championships Results here and full Pan American Tournament Results here.
Follow along for another week of rhythmic action as the Senior team is set to complete at the Senior Pan American Championships from June 5 to 7, 2026 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil!