And for good reason.

Lytwyn’s score of 15.1 won the gold medal in his first national championship as a senior.

“I was the last one up on the last event for the entire meet and was a little nervous, but it all came together,” said the 18-year-old Stoney Creek resident. “It felt good to win, but I was more happy that the Canadian Senior National coaches were happy and that I didn’t fall during the routine.”

Lytwyn also qualified for the event finals in parallel bars, where he picked up a bronze medal for tying for third and vault, where he finished seventh.

“I was happy with my performance on those events as well, but high bar was definitely the highlight of that competition for me,” he said.

Lytwyn got his start in gymnastics about eight years ago at the Hamilton East Kiwanis Boys and Girls Club. He now trains at Burlington BG’s Gymnastics Club, under the coaching of Carlo Pacella.

“At the beginning, flipping around and learning new moves was just so much fun and as a grew older, I ended up doing well in competitions and then eventually got a position on Team Canada,” he said. “Now I get to travel around the world and meet many new people. I just really enjoy it.”

Lytwyn has nailed a number of accomplishments over the years.

He won the novice title at the 2006 nationals, tied Adam Wong for the most medals ever won in gymnastics at the 2007 Canada Winter Games in Yukon and placed second overall in the junior category at the 2008 nationals in Calgary.

“It was obvious to me from the beginning that Kevin had the potential to be a great gymnast. What he accomplished in Hamilton in his first year as a senior was remarkable, but not a surprise. We had planned for a great result in our hometown, but ultimately, through shear dedication and hard work, Kevin made it happen,” said Pacella. “It was because of his overall performances over the years that I believed this result was possible. Kevin never rests on his laurels.”

Lytwyn will continue to train, while he waits to find out if he’s been named to the Canadian team for the World Championships this fall in London.

“Preparation involves a few hard training camps with Team Canada and many routines at home,” he said.

There’s another challenge Lytwyn would like to meet head on.

“I would like to compete on the world stage at more events and hopefully make it to the 2012 Olympics,” he said.