Dec. 5, 2001

Chicago, Ill. - A talent pipeline is forming in Quebec, Canada for University of Illinois at Chicago women's gymnastics coach Peter Jansson.

Jansson recently announced the signings of Regine Charron of Buckingham, Quebec and Veronique Meunier of Hull, Quebec to the Flames' gymnastics program.

"These are two very accomplished gymnasts," Jansson said. "Both have been out of high school for a year, so their maturity levels are much higher."

Charron has competed in the National Open Category in Canada for the past six years, finishing ninth on the uneven bars at the Canadian National Championships this year.

Meunier has been a National Open athlete since 1995, winning the 1999 Canadian vault championship and finishing eighth in the all-around competition that same year. She has also competed and thrived in prestigious competitions such as the Wimgym International and the Gymnix International in the last two years.

"Veronique is one of the best vaulters I have ever seen," added Jannson.

Current UIC gymnast Jennifer O'Neil also hails from Quebec and has trained at the Gymelites Club alongside Charron and Meunier for several years. Surrey, British Columbia native Atlin Mitchell is also a Canadian contributor for the Flames.