By Sandra Milton
Dalia Weisz, Lowertown resident, Grade 7 student and dedicated gymnast overcame two years of Covid restrictions including six lockdowns to win multiple awards at the recent Ontario Provincial Gymnastics Championships in Ottawa.
This talented young gymnast placed first on the balance beam with a special award for most confident beam routine. She also placed second on floor exercise, fourth on vault and ninth on uneven bars.
Dalia has been enjoying gymnastics from a very young age and competing since she was six years old. At the Ottawa Gymnastics Centre, she participates in women’s artistic gymnastics, where she is coached by the club’s technical director, Melanie Major. She also has a big fan and supporter in her mother, Nausikaa “Naus” Muresan, aka “Naus the Boss” who is a competitive coach and provincial-level judge.
In addition to attending school, Dalia usually dedicates about 25 hours every week to her gymnastic training. This was particularly difficult during Covid, when she was unable to train on the Centre’s apparatus for weeks in a row. Whereas other sports can be practiced at home or outdoors it is very difficult to replicate the work a gymnast needs to do on uneven bars or balance beam. During this time she did some training at the local outdoor fitness equipment park in Lowertown. Her gym also organized outdoor training when it was allowed and when the weather permitted.
Despite her busy school and gymnastic schedules, Dalia takes time to enjoy reading and is an avid Harry Potter fan. As well, she is a skilled crafts artist, designing and making dolls from scratch with clay, yarn and clothes that she designs and sews herself.
After two years of interruptions and little opportunity to compete, the Ontario Provincial Gymnastics Championships provided an opening for Dalia to achieve well deserved and long-awaited medals. When all of her events were combined, this talented athlete ranked third across the province. These results were possible because of her commitment to the sport, her drive, discipline and determination as well as continued support and encouragement from her coach, club and parents.
Congratulations to Dalia and our wishes for continued success as she faces increased challenges in her chosen athletic activity. The community looks forward to hearing more about the achievements of this hard-working and focused gymnast in the future.