Colorado

The World Jump Rope Championships are in Colorado Springs. For team Canada, the event goes beyond getting a trophy

Published

1 year ago

July 21, 2023

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“It is huge. It’s, I mean, yes, to be representing themself, their country and then also a sport that is in the growing. We are the coolest sport ever,” said Ann Nordin, who works for the International Jump Rope Union, the governing body for the sport.

Jump roping can take many styles. Take, for example, the individual freestyle, where athletes do tricks that most expect only from a gymnast.

Then there’s the “wheel routine,” a partner event where jumpers stand side by side demonstrating individual skills while being acutely aware of their teammate’s next trick.

Hart Van Denburg/CPR News

The 2023 World Jump Rope Championships were hosted by Colorado College’s Robson Arena July 16-23. One of the 11 trios from Japan competed Wednesday in the Junior World Champion Double Dutch heats.

Germany’s Svenja Reinhardt concentrates during the Single Rope Triple Under heats at the 2023 World Jump Rope Championships in Colorado Springs.

A Team Belgium quartet goes through its paces in the Team Freestyle competition heats on Wednesday during the 2023 World Jump Rope Championships.

A member of the Australia squad watches teammates work through their Double Dutch routine during Wednesday heats at the World Jump Rope Championship.

Team Canada

While many are looking for the chance to be called champions, one team’s motivation is beyond medals or trophies.

Wearing a black jersey with a maple leaf on the front, Rowan Reef says there’s no feeling quite like competing on a world stage: “Just so much adrenaline, so much good energy.”

But the member of Team Canada said his presence at the Ed Robson Arena is bittersweet.

A Team Canada trio in the Junior World Champion Double Dutch heats on Wednesday.

Canadian teammates embrace during the 2023 World Jump Rope Championships in Colorado Springs. “For Taylor” is embroidered on Team Canada’s shirts in memory of teammate Taylor Elenski, who died of a stroke at the Canadian National Qualifiers.

Rowan Reef, Parker Campbell and Valerie Lehar of Team Canada at the 2023 World Jump Rope Championships in Colorado Springs. “For Taylor” is embroidered on Team Canada’s shirts in memory of teammate Taylor Elenski, who died of a stroke at the Canadian National Qualifiers.

Canada’s Jacob Nussey leaves the floor after the Single Rope Triple Under heats at the 2023 World Jump Rope Championships in Colorado Springs. “For Taylor” is embroidered on Team Canada’s shirts in memory of teammate Taylor Elenski, who died of a stroke at the Canadian National Qualifiers.

Canadian flags at the 2023 World Jump Rope Championships in Colorado Springs. “For Taylor” is embroidered on Team Canada’s shirts in memory of teammate Taylor Elenski, who died of a stroke at the Canadian National Qualifiers.

His teammate Taylor Eleniak, 18, was supposed to join Reef and others at the competition but died in May after suffering a stroke the day of a different competition.

Eleniak, who jump roped for most of his life, is now remembered by his teammates with his name printed on the left sleeve of their jerseys.

“Doing this one for Taylor for sure. Just going out there with a smile on the face,” Reef said. “No matter how it goes we’re gonna hit the chest bump at the end …. It’s just gonna be so fun, we’re just going to represent.”

The jump rope tournament will continue through July 23.