Today, the gymnastics world bids farewell to an extraordinary athlete and a true pioneer in Trampoline Gymnastics, Samantha Smith. After a 17-year career, Samantha has announced her retirement, leaving behind an indelible mark on the sport.
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Samantha's journey in trampoline gymnastics has been nothing short of remarkable. Her dedication, grit, and unwavering pursuit of excellence have inspired athletes worldwide. She not only achieved remarkable heights in her career but also embodied the true spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie.
In her own words, Samantha reflects on her incredible gymnastics’ journey:
"I am grateful for my experience in trampoline gymnastics. The last 17 years of training and competing have been so meaningful. Trampoline enabled me to strive for excellence while teaching me about grit, goals, and resilience along the way. Through trampoline I have built a strong community, and I am excited for my role in this community to evolve.
I love the sport of trampoline. I love the feeling of flying, and the challenge of continuing to learn new skills. Challenging things tend to facilitate close bonds, and the people I have trained with remain my closest friends.
Attending the Olympics was a lifelong goal, and I am so proud that I was able to qualify. Following the Tokyo Olympics, I increased my focus on treating athletes as a physiotherapist. I am excited to stay involved in sport through helping athletes stay healthy, and by growing the local trampoline program in the small community I recently moved to.
As I complete this transition, I want to remind athletes to find the joy in training and in sport. Be a positive force in the gym. Set goals and work hard to reach them. Remember that perfection is an unattainable goal: celebrate the little wins and circle back to the joy of training. Take care of your bodies.
It is with happiness and fulfillment that I end my competitive gymnastics career. I leave with great love for the sport, and a great sense of adventure for my next stage in life!
Thank you to all my friends and family who helped support me in my sports journey.”
Join us in honoring Samantha Smith, a trailblazer, and an inspiration. While her competitive gymnastics career concludes, her spirit will forever soar, lighting the path for future generations.
First established in 1969, Gymnastics Canada has been supporting the mastery of movement in Canada for five decades as the national governing body for the sport of gymnastics in Canada. We work closely with the twelve provincial federations and 700 local clubs to provide a broad range of programs and services to meet the needs of all participants. From athlete development to coach and judge education, Gymnastics Canada sets the operating standards and practices for the sport in Canada. Our mandate is to promote and provide positive and diverse gymnastics experiences through the delivery of quality and safe gymnastics programming. Visit www.gymcan.org for more information or follow us @gymcan1. From here, we soar.
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For more information, contact:
Katia Perin
Manager, Communications
Gymnastics Canada
comms@gymcan.org