Emily SchmidtB次元官网网址檚 gymnastic abilities have her flying with the falcons.

The 15-year-old Belmont secondary student, a member of Falcon Gymnastics, earned a gold medal for her floor routine at the Christy Fraser Memorial Competition in Langley last month.

Schmidt has been involved in gymnastics for six years, the past four competitively.

Although it devours most of her free time - she practices for four hours five days a week - the rewards outweigh any loss of free time.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 doing something that I love that keeps you in great physical shape,B次元官网网址� she explained during an interview before practice.

Some of the other benefits include developing self discipline and better time-management skills, she added.

It has also changed how she looks towards the future, said Schmidt, who is considering a career in physiotherapy or attending medical school.

Another element that attracted her to the sport is the opportunity to compete against herself, as well as the other gymnasts.

B次元官网网址淭he beam and floor routines appeal to me the most,B次元官网网址� Schmidt said. B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 more of an artistic gymnast and those events suit me more. Although, training is very repetitive. With competitions itB次元官网网址檚 one shot, mess up and youB次元官网网址檙e done.B次元官网网址�

She also appreciates the relationships the sport has nurtured, noting that now some of her closest friends are members of Falcon Gymnastics. B次元官网网址淲e all push each other in a positive way. It would be much harder if they werenB次元官网网址檛 there.B次元官网网址�

Schmidt, who takes part in six to seven competitions a year between January and June, is looking forward to the Gymnix International competition March 3 to 6 in Montreal.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 pretty excited about my first trip to Montreal, but pretty nervous about competing against gymnasts from all over the world.B次元官网网址�

Other goals include earning an opportunity to compete in the provincials, which take place in Langley in June. Success at that tournament could result in a trip to the Westerns.

Falcon Gymnastics has been in operation in Saanich since 1973, offering a full range of programs and camps for preschoolers to adults.

Their competitive team includes about 40 members from six to 16 years of age.

Sheila Schmidt, president of the Falcon Gymnastics Parents Association, said the recent success at three competitions in February is a testament to the dedication of the coaches, athletes and their parents.

B次元官网网址淭he coaches spend many hours training and preparing the girls and have devoted their lives to helping them excel,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淭he commitment on the parentsB次元官网网址� part to enable the girls to train and compete requires a lot of personal sacrifice for the whole family.B次元官网网址�

For more information check out falcongymanstics.com.

reporter@goldstreamgazette.com