Three Saskatoon baton athletes are heading to Paris, France Wednesday, where they’ll represent Canada at the World Freestyle and Rhythmic Twirl Championship and Nations Cup. For Abby Fendelet, Brooke Elchuk and Alexandra Maley, years of training have all led to this moment. Every toss, catch and perfectly timed routine has prepared them for the biggest competition of their careers. Fendelet and Elchuk enter the championships as Canada’s top-ranked Junior A pair, giving the duo a chance to compete for a world title. “These athletes have been preparing their whole life for this competition. This summer specifically, we’ve been training kind of three to four hours a day. They were at the national championships at the beginning of July in Regina,” coach Kellie Towriss told CTV News. Elchuk and Maley also earned spots on Team Canada as alternates in the singles competition. While they won’t know whether they’ll compete individually until the team arrives in Paris, they’re preparing as though they’ll be called upon. “The day of the competition I’ll be in my makeup already. Once the first rounds are over, then my job is done,” Maley said. There will be a showcase performance where the alternates are guaranteed to show their routines. The athletes showcased their routines for family and friends during a send-off performance on Monday before departing for Europe. For Fendelet and Elchuk, the goal is clear - bring home gold. “I never imagined me being here. Never. This has always been a dream. It’s unreal. It still hasn’t sunk in,” Fendelet said. Before they can take the competition floor, the team will have to adjust to the challenges of international travel and a significant time difference. “The first practice, we know it’ll be hard on us. It’s like five hours long, so we just push our hardest to get through it,” Elchuk said. Beyond the competition itself, all three athletes are excited for the opportunity to meet competitors from around the globe. It’s expected that the camaraderie will be great, but the backstage, pre-performance mood could be a bit more intense. “Of course, I’m always wanting to see Team Canada. But I think from out of country, I’m really looking forward to Team Japan,” Maley said. About 25 athletes are representing Canada at the championships in Paris, including three from Saskatoon and nine from Regina. Towriss said Saskatchewan continues to establish itself as one of the country’s strongest regions in the sport, with Canadian baton athletes earning international recognition for blending strong dance technique into their performances. “Saskatchewan as a whole is very strong in the sport of baton. I would say it’s probably the strongest across the country,” she said. Whether they’re going to step foot on the world stage or supporting fellow Saskatchewan teammates from the sidelines, all three Saskatoon athletes say they’ll proudly wear the Maple Leaf as they represent Canada in Paris.
