Team Competition - Part 2

September 26th - Shawna leaves early for the barn to prepare for the class. The rest of us arrive in plenty of time to see the start of the competition and wish Shawna well. It was a 7.30 am start to accommodate the TV network covering the games. Shawna was further down in the draw.

Shawna Sapergia riding This Chics On Top walked confidently into the arena to the centre to start pattern 6. The spins were fast and correct but a little underspin in both directions resulted in a 1/2 point penalty for each. The rest if the run went well and resulted in a 218.

The final section started at 11 am and all Canadians anxiously awaited Duane Latimer on Dun Playing Tag to enter the arena. Duane's run went very well. Fast spins with correct shut off; great changes in speed in the circles; big powerful stops, and no penalties for a score of 223.

With no drop score, Canada had a team total of 652.50 good enough for 5th place. Without the penalties we would have made 3rd place. Team gold went to the United States with 674.50. Belgium won silver with 659.00, and Italy was bronze with 655.50.

The individual placings in the team competition are important as the top 15 move directly to the Individual Finals. 15th through to 35th go to the second qualifier where the top 5 finishers move on to the Individual Finals. Vern is unfortunately not in the grouping. Shawna finishes in 14th and Duane 6th. Canada has two riders in the Finals on Thursday September 30th