Todayville is happy to partner with the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum to bring some of Alberta’s amazing sports history to our readers.  We hope you enjoy this look back on the career of Canada’s most successful gymnast, Kyle Shewfelt.

From the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum website:

Kyle Shewfelt began his career and love of gymnastics with a natural talent and perfect form, in 1988, at the early age of 6. In his first international competition in 1996, Kyle placed first on Floor and third on Vault in Austria and placed first on Vault and second on Floor in Hungary. In 1999 and 2000, Kyle made his mark in the World Cup circuit to qualify for the men’s program at the 2000 Olympic Games.

Since then, Kyle has won multiple World Cup medals, including three gold medals on the Floor exercise. At the 2003 World Artistic Championships in California, Kyle made history by becoming the first Canadian gymnast to capture two bronze medals on Floor and Vault.

At the 2004 Olympic Games in Greece, history was to be made again, when Kyle won Canada’s first Olympic gymnastics medal, a gold on the Floor exercise. He also placed fourth at the Olympics on the Vault. Kyle Shewfelt is hard working, motivated and one of the most consistent gymnasts in Canada. He is an important role model for young gymnasts and his Olympic success has resulted in a huge increase in enrollment and interest in gymnastics throughout Alberta.

In December 2004, Kyle Shewfelt was voted winner of the Lionel Conacher Male Athlete of the Year Award by the Canadian Press and Broadcast News. The Calgary Booster Club also recognized Kyle with the Male Athlete of the Year Award in 2005.

Update from Kyle’s website:

Kyle is also known for the courage he showed in the face of adversity. After breaking his legs on a bad landing in August 2007, he embarked on the biggest challenge of his career and had just 11 months to recover in time for the 2008 Beijing Games. He qualified, and his comeback inspired as many young gymnasts as his Golden performance had four years earlier.

NOW… While proud of his accomplishments, Kyle now says his focus is involving and engaging others. “My goal with Kyle Shewfelt Gymnastics is to create a positive community space where as many people as possible can experience the magic of gymnastics. It’s an activity that has benefits for all ages and ability levels. I strongly believe it is a key ingredient to living a happy, healthy, active and satisfied life. The sport has given me so much and I am excited about giving back.“

After retiring from competition in 2009, Kyle is still heavily involved in the sport and the community. He has been an expert analyst for both CBC and CTV’s coverage of gymnastics. Kyle is an ambassador and mentor for Gymnastics Canada Gymnastique and he works closely with numerous charity organizations including Kidsport, Special Olympics and Right To Play. In addition, he sits on the board of directors for the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport and was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2010.

Kyle is also a highly sought after speaker and has shared his motivational messages to tens of thousands of Canadians from coast to coast to coast. In his spare time, Kyle enjoys doing handstands, backflips and training for triathlons and marathons. He loves spending time with his family and friends, especially his partner Kristin and their super awesome dog, Cooper (who you might recognize as Super Cooper from around the gym)!

Above all else, Kyle is a perpetual optimist who enjoys helping others reach to their potential. He believes in the power of a high five and is excited to connect Calgarians and Canadians to the foundation of the sport he loves so much.

If you enjoyed this story, be sure to check out some others:

How Betty Carveth Dunn became a part of baseball history. She was in the original League of Her Own.

Jamie Sale and David Pelletier’s rise to the top of figure skating royalty and won the hearts of millions in the 1992 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake.

Lawrence Lemieux: Danger and Sportsmanship on the High Seas.

The Alberta Sports Hall of Fame and Museum provides a family friendly interactive experience. Be surprised at what you will discover inside. Have fun, laugh, play together and discover famous Alberta sports celebrities. Plan your birthday party, special events or corporate reception in a unique environment.

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