Hundreds of men’s gymnasts compete in Grizzly Classic at 7 Nations Sportsplex

400 elite athletes from across North America spent the weekend in Calgary competing in the 6 disciplines in men's artistic gymnastics.

Men’s artistic gymnastics was on display this weekend at the 7 Chiefs Sportsplex in Tsuut’ina Nation.

Four hundred athletes from across North America competed at the Grizzly Classic.

They showcased their power and passion for the sport in six different disciplines, including floor, pommel horse, parallel bars, rings, vault and high bar.

The event is a chance for Team Canada to compete against the elite in their sport while working towards a spot in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

“I’ve been involved in gymnastics for my whole life,” said gymnast Rory Freeman. “I started when i was three, and I do all six (events). I’m an all-around here.”

“We get to show athletes what it’s like to be a Calgarian,” said Grizzly Classic meet director Chris Pettigrew, “and for all of our local athletes, they get to see elite talent that they’d otherwise have to travel thousands of miles to ultimately see.”

The Grizzly Classic started just four years ago, and has quickly grown into a premier international event.

With files from CTV’s Darren Wright