University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Teammates Set for Canadian Championships
5/24/2017 12:00:00 AM | Men's Gymnastics
Meet Information
University of Minnesota men's gymnastics teammates Joel Gagnon (Regina, Saskatchewan) and Justin Karstadt (Toronto, Ontario) will compete at the 2017 Canadian Championships in Artistic Gymnastics this weekend in Montreal, Quebec.
The Canadian Championships meet will determine the teams for both the World University Games in August and the 47th FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in October, also hosted in Montreal in October. Both Gagnon and Karstadt have goals to qualify for both.
Gagnon will be competing on five events at the meet (floor, rings, vault, parallel bars and high bar). Karstadt will be a part of the all-around competition.
Gagnon finished his junior year as a strong and consistent competitor on four events for the Golden Gophers. Earlier this year, Gagnon's unique parallel bars skill was one of eight approved by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) for 2017. The skill is named after him. Gagnon has been voted as a captain for the upcoming season, which will be his third-straight year as a team leader.
"I'm super excited about competing in Montreal this weekend," Gagnon said. "I'm hoping to deliver a strong performance five events to secure a spot on Team Canada for some upcoming international competitions."
Karstadt was named the Big Ten Co-Gymnast of the Year after tallying 22 podium finishes, including 10 event titles during the regular season. He became the third gymnast in the nation, and only gymnast in the Big Ten Conference, to break 87.000 on all-around under the new Code of Points after scoring an 87.050 against Nebraska -- a personal record. Karstadt recorded three top-10 finishes at the 2017 Big Ten Championships, including a silver medal on pommel horse. He has also been named to the All-Big Ten First Team during back-to-back seasons.
"I'm hoping to hit all of my routines during Saturday's all-around finals and Sunday's event finals," Karstadt said. "It will be awesome to see friends from back home and to stay in the awesome city of Montreal. I'm looking forward to indulging on the city's famous poutine after the competition!"
Players Mentioned
