The annual Koop Cup International Gymnastics Tournament took place at the Markham Pan Am Centre over three days, April 24th to 26th.
During my eight-hour photo session on Saturday, athletes representing thirteen countries took place including large numbers from Canada and the United States. Other nations represented during that time included Ukraine, Mexico, India, Syria, Israel, China, Venezuela, Colombia, Costa Rica, Slovakia, and the Phillipines. Earlier in the event, athletes from Ecuador and Brazil participated.
The founder of the event, Evelyn Koop, was unable to attend this year. The tournament was ably organized under the leadership of Janika Mölder who graciously facilitated my photo privileges forEesti Elu / Estonian Life.
The photo gallery includes performances by three teams: the Kalev Estienne Alumnae Elite team (dressed in black, adorned with red hearts), Kalev Estienne RG (purple ribbons) and Team Canada featuring Estonian-born Carmel Kallemaa.
The majority of photos feature individual athletes (born between 2007-2013) demonstrating a wide variety of talents with apparatus including ribbons (the photographer's favourite), hoops, clubs, and balls. The majority of photos were captured with an 80-400mm lens and a shutter speed of 1/640 second.
Text and photos: Peeter Põldre
Photo gallery
