Toronto's Hophner-Hibbs finishes the day 16th
August 15, 2008
BEIJING -- It was a disappointing day in the gym for Toronto's Elyse Hophner-Hibbs.
Hophner-Hibbs, a Toronto resident born in Mississauga, was
a disappointing 16th in the Women's Individual All Around final in
artistic gymnastics.
"Beam was my first event and it is normally my
best event but I just didn’t perform my routine to the best of my
ability. It’s as simple as that, said Hibbs following her event.
Her coach, Carol Angela Orchard of Toronto, said, "Competing in the all around final was a bit of a bonus. She hasn’t even trained all around all year, so we were a bit surprised to qualify for the final."
"Elyse’s two most difficult events were brilliant today. She is not considered a great vaulter but she did a great vault and her uneven bars routine was brilliant. But we just couldn’t get it out of her on the beam."
"She’s had a phenomenal career and she is by far Canada’s most successful female gymnast. She doesn’t feel that right now after that beam routine but she’s done so much for Canada. She’s Now it’s time for the next generation of gymnasts to continue what she’s accomplished. They’ve seen Elyse do it and they believe they can do it too."