16. February 2006  
Ontario / Canada  
Rhythmic Gymnastics

Canada s Rhythmic team at the Commenwealth Games

Alexandra Orlando (CAN)

Canadian Gymnastics organisers have wrapped up XVIII. Commonwealth Games 2006 selection trials in Ontario, Calgary and Montreal by nominating a skilled team for Melbourne, looking to continue the strong tradition of medal success for Canadian teams in both Artistic and Rhythmic competition.
Alexandra Orlando of Toronto will lead the Rhythmic Gymnastics team, looking to repeat the success of the 1998 Kuala Lumpur Games, when the event was last contested, in which Canadian Erika Leigh Stirton took home five golds and helped her colleagues to a silver medal in the Team Event.
Alexandra Orlando (19), posted four victories in the Elite Canada competition doubling as the Games selection trials, winning in Rope at 14.575 points, Clubs at 14.175 and Ball at 15.000, after picking up the All Round win.
‘’I was most satisfied with my rope win,' Orlando said.
'It was my weakest event in the All Round competition and I came back today with an extremely clean routine one of my best in awhile. I’m excited about going to the Games and I know there’ll be a big pressure to win because Canada will be one of the favourites.'

But Montreal’s Yana Tsikaridze denied Orlando a golden sweep, winning the Ribbon competition at 15.025.

Orlando, Tsikaridze and Carly Orava of Toronto will be nominated to the team for the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games by Gymnastics Canada Gymnastique.
Orlando’s coach Mimi Masleva was also announced as the Commonwealth Games team coach.

>> The XVIII. Commenwealth Games 2006, specially the rhythmic gymnastics competitions will held March 24 - 26 in the 'Rod Laver Arena' of Melbourne.
Source: Commenwealth Games 2006