With just over two months until the start of the 2024 Paris Olympics, the pressure is building for Cambridge gymnast Emma Spence in her attempt to make Team Canada.
With another successful season at the University of Nebraska complete, which saw her named to the All-Big Ten Conference First Team, she now turns her attention to the world stage at the Artistic Pan Am Championships in Santa Marta, Colombia from May 23 to 25.
The event is one of the last before the Olympic Trials next month.
"It’s always a really cool experience any time you put on the Team Canada leotard," Spence said.
"It's my second time competing in Colombia and I'm really excited for the opportunity."
Spence was placed on the team to coincide with the end of her college season.
Results from the championship will count towards Olympic qualifying, but the final team won't be decided until after the Canadian Championships from June 5 to 9, Gymnastics Canada confirmed.
It's been a busy year for Spence. Combined with her college season, she also competed in Italy and France.
She's hoping to use all the experiences to her advantage.
"I feel good," Spence said.
"Because I've been doing routines for so long, my body knows how to do it. Some see it as a disadvantage due to the long season but I’m seeing it as a positive because I’ve competed so much this year. It's about getting enough rest and recovery so I don't burn out before trials."
As important as the meet is, Spence wants to make sure she takes the time to enjoy the process and the chance to represent her country again.
Not knowing how many more times she'll get the opportunity, she's focused on enjoying the travel and meeting athletes from other countries.
Regardless of how the next month unfolds, Spence wants to make sure she leaves it all out on the mats.
"Making the Olympic team is my goal," she said.
"I want to go into Olympic trials, try my best and walk away with no regrets, whether I make it or not. I want to give it 100 per cent and see what the results are."