It’s our pleasure to introduce Dexter Ross, a 2013 Men’s Artistic Gymnastics athlete from Stratford, PE, Canada who trains with Shane Codrington at Island Gymnastics Academy.

Read below to learn more about Dexter and hear how he maintains his competitive edge!

Interview

Weʼd love to begin by learning about your early gymnastics career. When and where did you start your competitive program? And, what did you love most about it?
I started gym as a 1 year old in the bouncing babies program and always loved going to gym and have been going ever since. Now I’m 10 and this is my second year in the competitive program. I like how fun it is to go to the gym and be working out while hanging out with me gym friends, travelling for competitions is always fun, too.

What was it like to compete for the first time? Did this experience shift for you as you gained experience?
My first time competing was awesome! I had a great time doing the thing that I love. Over time I’ve gotten used to what it’s like to compete so it’s less nerve wracking you could say.

Who and what has been most influential in your gymnastics career? And, how have you stayed dedicated and motivated?
My coaches have been the most influential in my gymnastics career so far because they tech me so much. Also my gym friend Drew because he motivates me and helps me with skills.

What are some of your most memorable career highlights?
2024 Alta Halifax competition really stood out for me because it was so fun and I placed overall 3rd, we also had a great time staying in Halifax after comp and playing with my friends…doing a whole bunch of gymnastics flips down the hall.

Could you please share what grade you’re in and what plans and aspirations you have for the future?
I’m in Grade 4 and in the future I hope to stay in Gymnastics until I finish school and I hope to go and compete in Canada Games with my friend Drew.

Iʼd like you to imagine that youʼre in your 30s, living your best life! What do you think youʼll remember most fondly about your gymnastics career? And what has been your most fun memory, to this point?
When I’m in my 30s I bet I’ll look back on going to Calgary to compete as the best time ever! Also I hope to be able to go to Easterns in New Foundland and would look back on that as the best time ever too.

Could you please share some of the transferable skills that youʼve developed because of gymnastics? And also about any other ways you anticipate this sport will influence your life in the future?
The skills I’ve learnt in gym that transfer to other areas of my life are being able to do front full when I go to the trampoline park with friends. Also when I go swimming I like doing flips off the boat or diving board into the pool. It makes me a stronger skier too.

Lastly, do you have any advice for younger athletes who are interested in MAG? Both in terms of gymnastics and in general?
I would tell younger athletes to just listen to your coach and try your best and you’ll do just great!

Lightning Round Questions

If you could eat one food for the rest of your life it would be:
A smoothie.

If you were told the internet was going to disappear forever, what would you put on your hard drive? (Movies, shows, music, photos, etc.)
Videos and photos of me competing.

Your morning drink/meal of choice is:
Smoked salmon bagel with a smoothie.

On your days off, what do you LOVE doing?
In the Summer I like biking and in the Winter if I don’t have gym training then I like skiing.

Your three biggest priorities in life are:
A house
travel a lot
Gymnastics

Describe your go-to style in and out of the gym:
Black shorts and black sweater

THAT’S A WRAP! THANK YOU, Dexter!

We hope you found Dexter’s interview fun and inspiring! Here at the Grizzly Classic, our goal is to increase participation in Men’s Artistic Gymnastics across Canada. We thought it would be fun to share stories from athletes competing at every level and every age to create a sense of connection among these extraordinary athletes and give newcomers a window into the MAG community.

We hope you found this interview interesting and helpful.

If you have feedback, we’d love to hear it! And, if you know an athlete who would like to be featured, please direct them to the Grizzly Classic Featured Athlete Profile Form.