Heading to nationals

By Melissa Piche Times Contributor

Strathmore’s own Olivia Jarvis is headed to Whitehorse for the 2026 Western Canadian Artistic National Championship April 22-25.

The 14-year-old recently competed at the Western Trials in Airdrie, where she earned a spot to represent Alberta.

When asked about her background in the sport, Olivia said she has been involved in gymnastics “for about 11 years.”

Her mother, Laura Jarvis, explained the challenge of reaching this level, noting the structure of the qualification process. 

“For Westerns, you have to be in Level 8, 9, or 10,” she said. “So, 10 is the highest (which Olivia currently competes at).”

The competition in Alberta is particularly unique at that level. 

“There’s lots of Level 8s, there’s lots of Level 9s, but once you get to Level 10, very few in Alberta. So, she’s actually one of four athletes in all of Alberta at her level,” Laura said.

To qualify, athletes must post a strong all-around score. 

“She had to get a 32 all around, and she did meet that qualification,” Laura said, adding that the result also counted toward nationals. “She not only qualified for Westerns, but she qualified for nationals as well.”

For Olivia, the achievement reflects years of dedication. 

“It feels really good, and I feel like I get a lot of chances,” said Olivia. “I put a lot of hard work and time in.”

That work includes a demanding training schedule. That schedule includes travelling to Okotoks to train at the Mountain Shadows Gymnastics Club five days a week, up to 20 hours of training a week. Laura said that Olivia’s level is not available at every gym, so they had to find a suitable location. 

Olivia will travel with Team Alberta to Whitehorse, where athletes will spend a week training and participating in team activities. 

“She goes on April 22, and she flies up there with Team Alberta,” Laura said. Olivia is also looking forward to the experience, expressing the team aspect of it and getting to meet new people. 

Beyond Westerns, Olivia is in contention for the Canadian Championships, set for Oshawa later this spring. If selected, she would again travel with Team Alberta and compete against athletes from across the country.

Laura noted the significance of that opportunity. 

“Even if she gets 20, being able to say, ‘I’m Top 20 in Canada’ is a pretty cool feat,” said Laura.

Olivia’s strongest event is the balance beam. 

“I’m usually very consistent and can get many skills on it,” Olivia said. 

Laura added that her daughter’s steadiness on beam has become well known. “She’s known as the ‘beam queen’ in her gym because she’s quite steady on the beam,” she said. “On beam, she has a full 10 starting value, which is pretty uncommon.”

Balancing school and elite training present another challenge. Olivia attends public school while maintaining her demanding schedule.

Laura praised the support from teachers and the community. 

Laura said they feel very lucky to live in a community that supports their young athletes the way Strathmore does.

With Westerns in Whitehorse approaching and the possibility of Canadians still ahead, Olivia continues to train and prepare, representing both Strathmore and Alberta on a growing competitive stage. 

Information on the gymnastics provincial schedule can be found on the Alberta Gymnastics Federation website (www.abgym.ab.ca).