Fairbairn finishes fifth in the nation

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

Strathmore gymnastics phenom Montana Fairbairn made her second consecutive appearance at nationals this year where she finished fifth Canada-wide
Fairbairn participated in the bar, vault and beams events but her best finish was placing fourth on the floor in her novice age group, with a total score of 53,950.
The Crowther Memorial Junior High School student came back this year knowing how much harder she had to work.
“I needed more skill, I needed to be clean and focus on my landings on each event,” said Fairbairn. “Well last year I was kind of nervous at nationals when they were watching but this year I felt 100 per cent confident.”
Before she left for nationals, Fairbairn trained 26 hours a week at the Stampede City Gymnastics Club in Calgary, where she practiced every routine multiple times until she felt comfortable.
Montana was determined to be the best at her gym and her hard work paid off.
“I didn’t want to be in a low level, I wanted to try to be the top in my gym, and I’m the best gymnast in my club right now,” she said.
Fairbairn’s mom, Jaime, along with rest of her family, could not be more proud of what she has been able to accomplish.
“The biggest highlight after nationals was she was just selected for a national training camp in Montreal this summer,” said Jaime. “It never ends. Summer’s not a break. It’s still hard work and keeps us all running.”
Fairbairn made her second appearance at nationals on May 36-31 in Gatineau, Que.