Spencer middle school student Tyler Chequer is gearing up to compete in the B.C. Winter Games and the B.C. Championships.
She is coached by Peter and Renata Allan, a husband and wife team, out of Falcon Gymnastics.
“This is such a big achievement for her,” said Renata. “She’s been through injuries with her back and her hip. She missed out on some competitions last year.”
Chequer is the only gymnast from the Royal Oak gym to earn a place in the Winter Games.
“She is a dynamic athlete and she’s powerful,” said the coach. “She also flexible. She’s the whole package.”
The goal for the teen and the coaches is for her finish in the top six overall and to place within the top three for the floor and uneven bars events, her strongest events.
“Even just making it to the Winter Games is huge success for Tyler. It’s a success for her as a gymnast and as a person,” Renata beamed.
Chequer earned a place in the B.C. Winter Games, Feb 21 and 22, after competing in the Island Championships in Campbell River, Dec. 18. She placed fifth overall in the competition. She competed in the beam, vault, floor and uneven bars.
Her successful finish also earned her a place in the B.C. Championships in Kamloops, March 15 and 16. The championship also doubles as a trials for the Western Canada Championships.
Lately Chequer has been training hard in the gym five days a week perfecting her routines.
“I am just doing my full on routines,” said Chequer, explaining she’s not learning any new skills at the moment.
Most days she’s at school during the day and then spends her evenings training at the gym.
“Tuesday is my homework day and Saturday is for sleeping,” she explained. “I have friends at school, but they are really understanding. I have really close friends at the gym too.”
Tumbling, flips and speed are not scary to the Langford teen who’s been honing her skills in the gym since she was four years old.
“It’s not scary for me anymore. I just go for it. I am not nervous,” said Chequer.
The 14-year-old has devoted her life to gymnastics and said all athletes want to eventually go to the Olympics, but she’s just enjoying what she’s doing right now.
“Sports are really important for kids, you get exercise, it’s social and you can meet new friends,” she said. “Gymnastics teaches me lots of discipline.”