The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

While she is travelling to represent the country in her sport at the elite level, one Bahamian gymnast was honoured locally for her contribution.

Kianna Dean was one of many young Bahamians honoured at the Bahamas National Youth Awards, claiming the recognition for gymnastics.

Dean is currently in preparation, alongside Simone Hall, for the 46th edition of the World Artistic Gymnastic Championships to be hosted October 23 to November 1 in Glasgow, Scotland.

Bahamas Gymnastics Federation executives lauded Dean for the achievement.

“The federation is very proud to see Kianna receiving this distinction, as it demonstrates where years of hard work and perseverance can take you. She truly has a promising future in this sport. We will do all we can to continue to support Kianna’s efforts as she remains a leading contender while representing the Bahamas in gymnastics at  high level international competitions.”

The World Championships will serve as a qualifier for the 2016 Summer Olympics and will feature over 1,000 athletes from 84 countries.

Dean made history when she became the first gymnast to represent the Bahamas at the Pan Am Games last July where she finished with an all-around performance of 32.600 points.

She said she was just elated to have broken the ceiling by becoming the first competitor to represent the Bahamas in a major international competition.

“It was really amazing being able to do that and I felt I did well and I handled it well,” Dean told The Tribune. “I went into the competition knowing that my skill level wasn’t at the same level as some of the other athletes, but I didn’t let that discourage me from competing. I just tried my best and I think I succeeded.”

Dean currently trains at Park Avenue Gymnastics in Cooper City, Florida, under head coach Kathy Semok.

“I am greatly honoured and humbled to have my gymnastics career blossom and grow in the way that it has and I truly take pride in raising the bar for gymnastics in The Bahamas,” she said.