Baton twirler Cory Archer leapt into the limelight at the World Baton Twirling Federation (WBTF) International Cup for top competitors this summer.

The 26-year-old Columbia Valley native, who performs with the Baton and Dance Company under the direction of coach Loranne Meek in Calgary, went toe-to-toe in competitive baton twirling during the WBTF International Cup in Abbotsford between August 2nd and 9th.

He left the tournament with many memories — including placing silver in the Adult “A” two-baton category.

“After an eight-year break from baton twirling, I decided to make a comeback because I felt that I still had more to give to this sport,” said Mr. Archer. “I’m constantly surprising myself by achieving new goals.”

Competitive baton twirling is a combination of dance, gymnastics and baton twirling — all wrapped into one unique sport that requires focus, co-ordination and a lot of practice.

Mr. Archer wants to continue training and competing, while strutting his stuff as one of the best.

“I plan to continue with competitive baton for another couple of years,” he said, “and hope to compete in Sweden 2016 and Croatia 2017.”

Previously, Mr. Archer was named the Junior Men’s Bronze Medallist at the 2005 World Championships in St. Paul, Minnesota; a Gold Medallist and Senior A 3-Baton at the 2006 WBTF International Cup in Rome, Italy; and the Senior Pairs Bronze Medallist with Jenna Jemieff at the 2007 WBTF World Championships in Hamilton, ON.

Although he lives and trains in Calgary up to three hours, four times a week, Mr. Archer plans to spend more time with his family and friends this fall.

“I miss home a lot,” he said, while crediting the Columbia Valley for driving him into the world of competitive baton twirling. “My first club was the Kootenay Baton Konnection, under the direction of Karen Gratton in Windermere.”