Meet Courtney Cook: A gymnast who never gives less than 100 per cent

Courtney Cook performs her ribbon routine during rhythmic gymnastics competition at Big Marble Go Centre.

For Courtney Cook, success doesn't happen by accident.

It comes from years of practice, refining routines, training with teammates and showing up ready to give her best every single day.

The 33-year-old Team Manitoba athlete is competing in rhythmic gymnastics at the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat, bringing a dedication to sport that has been more than two decades in the making.

Courtney first became interested in rhythmic gymnastics after watching athletes train at the University of Manitoba.

"I saw other girls doing the sport and that made me want to do rhythmic gymnastics as well," she said."I just wanted to try it out and see how it goes."

What started as curiosity quickly developed into a passion.

Today, Courtney competes in multiple rhythmic gymnastics disciplines, including hoop, ribbon (her personal favourite) and ball routines. She also participates in track and speed skating, embracing every opportunity to challenge herself through sport.

Courtney Cook of Team Manitoba performs her floor exercise routine during rhythmic gymnastics competition at the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games 2026 Medicine Hat.

Inspired by watching athletes train at the University of Manitoba, Cook developed a passion for rhythmic gymnastics and has dedicated herself to the sport for years.

Competing at the national Games wasn't necessarily part of the original plan.

When another athlete was unable to attend, Courtney was asked to join Team Manitoba.

"They asked me to be on the team and I said yes," she said.

For her coach, Ariella Schimnowski, seeing Courtney perform on the national stage comes as no surprise.

"I think she feels things very deeply, which makes her so dedicated to her sport," said Ariella. "She wants to be the best of the best and she works really hard."

According to Ariella, Courtney approaches every practice with determination and continually works to improve.

"She always gives it 100 per cent, no matter what," she said proudly. "Even if [she’s] having a good day or a bad day, she always gives it 100 per cent."

Courtney trains several times each week, reviews her routines regularly and works hard to ensure she is fully prepared when it is time to perform. Her goal at these Games? Perform her routines to the best of her ability while supporting and encouraging those around her.

That support was evident throughout the competition floor, where athletes routinely cheered for one another regardless of what province they represented. Following her performance, Courtney exchanged a high-five with a fellow competitor, a small moment that reflected the encouragement and camaraderie that define the Special Olympics experience.

Courtney Cook (left) celebrates with a fellow competitor following a rhythmic gymnastics performance at Big Marble Go Centre.

Athletes from across Canada spent the week supporting and encouraging one another both on and off the competition floor.

While sport plays a major role in her life, Courtney's interests don't end there. When she's not training, she enjoys gaming and proudly describes herself as being particularly good at Genshin Impact.

Through Special Olympics, Courtney says she has gained confidence, strength and a sense of belonging.

In her athlete biography, she describes being part of a team as a place where she feels accepted and celebrated for her abilities.

For Courtney's family, seeing her compete in Medicine Hat is a proud moment years in the making.

They have watched her dedicate herself to training, pursue new challenges and continuously work to improve, both as an athlete and as a person. Their goal has always been to help Courtney build independence and pursue the life she wants for herself.

As she competes on the national stage this week, Courtney is focused on doing what she has always done: working hard, supporting her teammates and giving every performance her all.

And after years of dedication, those closest to her couldn't be more proud.

— story by Emily Conley, Special Olympics Canada Summer Games

Courtney Cook poses with coach Ariella Schimnowski and parents Tannis and Ian Cook at the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat. Those closest to Cook have watched years of training, dedication and hard work lead to the national stage.