On Nov. 1 in Liverpool England, team Canada made history by winning its first medal at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships.
Cambridge native Emma Spence, who helped the team claw back from last place all the way to third to secure a bronze medal, was in disbelief when team captain Ellie Black boosted them onto the podium.
“It was such a shock because we weren't tracking the scores throughout the competition,” Spence said in a call from England. “We were so focused on just our gymnastics and ourselves that it just made that whole moment so much sweeter.”
Spence and her team watched as Black put up the second highest score of the day and propel the team into the third spot.
Not only did Canada win the bronze, their podium placement also secured a spot in the 2024 Olympics in Paris. This means for the next year, any international competition wins won’t be necessary to compete in the next Olympic games.
“We don't have that extra pressure of having to qualify like the other teams will have. So we can just go out there and try some new skills, have confidence, and just try your best and practice for the Olympics,” Spence said.
While there is no guarantee for the team, the Cambridge gymnast is going to use this next year to really work on herself and get to the top of her game.
“Coming off of this competition, that gives me a huge boost of confidence, knowing that I was able to achieve this with the team here, leading into the Olympic year,” she added. “I'm feeling extra motivated and excited to get back in the gym and prepare for these next big competitions that will be coming up.”
Spence is currently attending the University of Nebraska and competing in the NCAA where she plans to fully focus on the upcoming season.
Despite missing out on the games in Tokyo, the Cambridge native is determined to make the upcoming games and represent her hometown and country in Paris.
While in Liverpool, Spence not only helped the team qualify for the Olympics, she was also part of a panel on creating a safe environment for athletes and gymnasts.
“I was chosen by the International Gymnastics Federation to help give a presentation at the Safe Sport Symposium, where athletes would talk about their experiences and cultural changes they would like to see,” Spence said.
Advocating for culture change is something that is close to her heart. She has been very open about her challenges within gymnastics due to eating disorders and body pressures in the sport.
“I would love to see a change in the culture of gymnastics and it is changing, but just to be a part of that is something that I'm really excited to be working towards,” she added.
Spence and her team now get a much deserved break and get to spend the next week in England cheering on Black as she still has more competitions to take part in.
“I think we're going to do some shopping and go and tour around the city a bit,” said Spence. “I am just so happy we won and grateful to all of the support back home in Cambridge and in Canada,”