In addition to Ellie Black​, who is returning for her second Olympics, Canadian teammate Brittany Rogers is the other veteran who will help lead Canada at the Rio Games.

Rogers is one of Canada's most seasoned competitors--her elite career began in 2006. Since then, she has been a valuable component in the development of Canada's elite program. After the 2012 London Games, Rogers competed for the Georgia Gymdogs. She closed out her college career in style by tying for gold on bars at 2016 NCAA Championships. 

Over the last four years, Rogers maintained her elite-level training, competed at the 2015 World Championships, and eventually earned a spot on her second Olympic team. The challenge of balancing NCAA and elite gymnastics is not easy, but for Rogers, it was definitely worth it.



FloGymnastics: How did the Olympic Training Camp go, and what was your confidence like heading into that?
Brittany Rogers: I had a lot more confidence going into the final camp than I did before Canadian Nationals since I had another three weeks of preparation under my belt. I had doubts running through my mind, but I feel like that was inevitable, since I had a short turn-around from NCAA to elite. But I definitely turned to my competition experience from NCAA to help me through Trials.




What was your reaction when you found out you made it?
I think I cried again… apparently, I'm more emotional as I get older! It's something I've always wanted and dreamed for, but didn't fully believe it was attainable. I think I was so focused for so long that I wasn't really aware of what was going on around me and how close I was to actually being named. It's definitely one of my proudest moments.

How does it feel to have made it with Ellie to another Games?
Ellie stayed in Canada and worked her butt off for the last four years while I have been at school, so knowing her hard work is part of the reason why we qualified a team to Rio and helped make five girls' dreams come true is amazing. I am so proud of her. It's definitely going to be a different experience for both of us this time around because we're more aware of all of the surroundings and possible distractions at the Games. Now that we both know what to focus on and when it's OK to relax and have fun, we're soaking in every moment. 

What feels the same/different about this experience compared to 2012?
There are so many differences between now and four years ago that I'm having a hard time finding similarities. Not only am I older, but I feel I have grown into my body and I'm more aware of nutrition and recovery and everything on the physical side of things, so I don't think I've ever been this fit in my life. I've also learned how to be a team player and a leader throughout my years at college, on top of being a smarter competitor. This time around, I told everybody I'm doing it for me, because I was the one who decided to come back, and I am the one ultimately pushing myself to keep going--of course, with the help of my family, coaches, and friends. I'm independent, and that sometimes gets in the way when I'm being stubborn, but I'm proud of how my determination and self-motivation have taken me to my second Olympic Games.



The team had a historic fifth-place finish last quad--what does that do for your confidence as a team?
Ever since 2012, I believe Canadian gymnastics has improved every year. I know that historic finish motivated me to come back and help the team in whatever way I can, because I know how much potential this country has. We set the bar high in 2012, but I know it's very attainable this year, and we are all working harder than ever to make our country proud again. 

What are you looking forward to most about Rio?
I'm looking forward to enjoying it more. In 2012, it was all of our first Games, so we didn't know where to look! It was such an amazing experience to all go through the Games together and see different aspects and sides and viewpoints. This time, I will know how and when to turn on and off the switch to focus, and when to put on and off my blinders, so hopefully I will be able to soak it all in even more to leave me with even more amazing memories. 

Any post-Rio plans?
Post-Rio plans are all up in the air, and I wish more than ever I could tell everyone what they are! I don't feel that it's time to hang up my grips just yet because I feel that every time I come back into the sport, I improve, find new strengths in myself, and fall more in love with the sport. But I will finish off my final year of school, get my degree in journalism, and hopefully stay in sports as a broadcaster or sideline reporter one day. 




Related:
Canada's Rock Ellie Black is Ready for Rio