University of Minnesota Athletics
Karstadt, Gagnon Help Lead Canada to Third
4/9/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Gymnastics
EVERETT - University of Minnesota men's gymnastics representatives, freshman Justin Karstadt and sophomore Joel Gagnon helped lead Team Canada to a third place team finish at the Pacific Rim Gymnastics Championships.
The United States finished first with a team score of 355.950 - the fifth straight win. China finished second with a 347.400 while Canada notched 333.200 for Bronze. The U.S. claimed five of the six rotations.
"What a great experience for Joel and Justin to be a big part of Canada's Bronce Medal performance at this prestigious international competition," said head coach Mike Burns. "I couldn't be happier or more proud of what they brought to this team. As a coach, to see them standing out there with the medals draped around their necks is something I'll remember for a long, long time!"
"It was a great opportunity to compete on a podium for the first time in my career; great timing because NCAAs is on a podium as well," said Karstadt. "Going into the competition, we weren't really stressing about the result, we just wanted to stay healthy and have a good time. Throughout the meet, as a team, we kept the mood pretty playful and lighthearted, so when we found out we had finished in third ahead of Japan, it was an amazing surprise! I was pleased with my performances on Pommel Horse, Parallel Bars, and High Bar and was proud to have qualifed for event finals in those three events."
For Team Canada, Karstadt competed in the All-Around and finished eighth overall. He collected scores of 12.500 (Floor), 14.600 (Pommel Horse), 13.150 (Still Rings), 14.100 (Vault), 14.100 (Parallel Bars) and 13.700 (High Bar). The Toronto, Ont. native qualified for the finals on Pommel Horse, Parallel Bars and High Bar. Karstadt tied with fellow Canadian Scott Nabata for ninth place. On P Bars, he finished 12th and on High Bar, he tied with countryman Aaron Mah for 10th.
Gagnon notched scores of 14.400 (Floor), 14.150 (Vault) and 12.850 (Parallel Bars). The Regina, Sask. native advanced to the event finals on Floor and tied with china's Baisen Gu for seventh place.
The Pacific Rim Championships are held once every two years. The event is unique in that both junior and senior gymnasts compete in a team format such as how the Olympic teams are comprised.
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