‘Kind of surreal’: N.S. gymnast Ellie Black discusses Order of Canada appointment

Nova Scotia gymnast Ellie Black talks about being named a member of the Order of Canada and the next Olympics.

Four-time Olympian Ellie Black was one of four Nova Scotians appointed to the Order of Canada this year.

In an interview with Your Morning Atlantic’s Crystal Garrett on Tuesday, Black said receiving the honour was a big deal for her that hasn’t quite sunk in yet.

“It feels kind of surreal. When I got the phone call, it was such a special moment because it was truly unexpected,” she said.

“Just to be honoured in such a way that it is recognizing the work I have done and my accomplishments in gymnastics and sports, but as well that hard work, perseverance and community involvement is so incredibly special.”

On Sunday, Black dropped the ceremonial puck during the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) hockey game in Halifax.

“I’ve never done that before, and it was just such an honour to be able to that in Halifax in front of our community as we hosted this game here. I know we take our sports very seriously here in Halifax and we support our athletes,” she said.

In March 2025, Black was awarded the Sports Legacy Award at the 52nd annual Desjardins Sports Charity Dinner in Halifax. She said it means the world to her every time she receives an award.

“For people to recognize the hard work that you do every day in training, it’s a grind, and sometimes we don’t really take a moment to reflect on everything we have done and accomplished,” she said.

“To have that recognition is a really good reminder that what you are doing is really making an impact.”

Black said she is gearing up for the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles and has her sights set on competing in her fifth Olympics.

“It has already started for me. We live our lives in four-year quads, and so, for me, I train the majority of the day at the gymnastic clubs. Everything we have to do every day is to continue building towards that goal and our competition season,” she said.

“I wouldn’t be here without my community, my family, my friends, my club, everyone that supported me to get here.”

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