Her life has taken a big turn, all thanks to her gymnastic talents.
Now, Tiffany Chung, an athlete
from the Elite Gymnastics Club and member of Team B.C. that won bronze at the Pan Ams in Florida last October, is living and training in Toronto as part of the national team.
The 15-year-old’s journey from eager teen to national team in Canada’s largest city has been part serendipity, part passion.
Thanks to her skill in rhythmic gymnastics, Chung received an invitation to try out for the national squad last fall. And she took that invite as a blessing and a learning opportunity, not expecting to crack the group of seven who receive national placing.
“I really didn’t expect much. I tried to keep my expectations low so that the feelings would be mutual – if I did make it or didn’t make it,” said Chung prior to moving to Ontario. “I’ve never done this before, never done an audition for a team (so) it was a real nice experience.”
The national auditions covered three intense weeks last November. As a Grade 10 student, it meant juggling school work and competition and training in unfamiliar surroundings. Chung said it never got overwhelming.
“I was actually really surprised and really excited. But at the same time nervous, because I knew I still had to work really hard to prove myself,” she said. “I brought my homework with me so that I could work on it. I did a lot, I think. I’m catching up really fast.”
When she began the sport six years ago, she never envisioned it would take her far. But under the guidance of 1984 Olympic gold medalist Lori Fung Methorst at the Elite Gymnastics club in Vancouver, Chung uncovered a new passion.
“My mom put me into rhythmic gymnastics, just as a stretching class (to help her dance). We didn’t think too much of it but just to make me more flexible. It progressed pretty fast, and then I made it to the national stream, to compete competitively. Now I’m here.”
“She’s just so humble,” noted Fung Methorst. “She got in the car after the first (camp) and was so happy just to have had that experience and thanked me for bringing her; ‘I’ll try hard next year.’ She automatically thought they would pick the older, more experienced kids.”
Her Pan Am success was achieved with members from Burnaby’s Adagio club, who began training together in 2016 to represent B.C. That experience whetted her appetite for more.
“It was really exciting because it was my very first time competing internationally with a bunch of other countries and such a huge competition. It was really exciting for me but also nervous because it was my first time,” Chung said.
Among Chung’s most steadfast supporters are parents, coach Nerissa Mo and Metrotown Mazda owners Sean Mumagai and Chang Lim.
The Burnaby business made a donation towards Chung’s expenses last year, and the general manager is pleased she’s achieved one of her goals so quickly.
“You always hear about pro sports and pro athletes, and unfortunately so many sports you only hear about every four years,” said Kumagai, the dealership’s general manager. “The biggest thing was we were interested in her story and supporting youth sports in general. Whether its pride in representing your country or province, there’s a goal and a benefit (for the athlete) that comes with it.”
Fung Methorst said her young charge has demonstrated a lot of talent and devotion to becoming the best she can be, much like her own development in the sport.
“I believe in her. She made the first cut and was invited back for the second stage and she must have wowed them. It’s a one-year commitment and she’s the youngest, and technically not a senior (when selected),” added Fung Methorst.
Her parents have been central to her success, Chung said.
“I really appreciate my parents because they support me so much and helped me go further into this sport. Also my coaches, because without them I wouldn’t do as well in the sport, or have this opportunity to go to Toronto and be part of this group.”
