A wrap-up from this amazing event.

The International Federation of Cynological Sports (IFCS) sixth World Agility Championships (WAC) were hosted by the United States Dog Agility Association on May 11-13, 2012 in Fort Worth, Texas. This was the first time that the WAC was held in the United States, and it was an impressive success. Ten countries sent teams from all over the world to compete on international-style courses in front of stands packed with spectators. The competition on the course was fierce, and yet competitors from all teams cheered after successful runs and supported handlers when things went wrong. The focus of the event was not only on doing well at an international level but also on learning from each other and returning home with new training ideas that will improve the sport.

Team USA was an impressive force at the event, bringing home an amazing 36 medals, 14 of them gold (Canada, second place in the medal count, earned 24 total, 8 of them gold. For placement results and medal counts, click here). The team won many individual and all-around awards as well as the team championship. This success was truly a team effort, with parts played not only by the competitors but also the team coach, Rachel Sanders, team manager, Dave Grubel, and various spouses, friends, and helpers. The end result was not only a team that won, it was a team that worked well together. Sanders says, "I heard so many compliments about the team from spectators, members of other teams, and their coaches about how cohesive our team was, how they supported each other and had their heads in the game and the event. That, in addition to all the hard work and training before the event, showed itself in the results." Grubel agreed: "[There was a] great atmosphere and camaraderie within Team USA, as well as with other teams. Team USA really gelled once we all arrived in Texas and I think that showed with our performance."

Team members got a lot out of the competition, from enjoyment to exciting challenges. Stuart Mah, who medaled in several classes, says, "I thoroughly enjoyed the event. Attending these events always makes you take your agility performance to the next level. It becomes contagious so that everybody pushes the performances to become better with each run. Thanks to Rachel and Dave, our coaches.  Also thanks to USDAA for hosting the event." Jeannette Hutchison, who also made it to the podium many times, says, "I had a wonderful experience. The Team was great and I enjoyed the friendships that will last a lifetime. So many highs and some lows watching all the teams run.... Everyone supported all the teams, regardless of nation." Kevin Brown, who was very successful with his Shetland Sheepdog, Hunter, adds, "This was my first international experience and I could not have enjoyed it any better. Our coaches Rachel Sanders and Dave Grubel did a great job of making us a team and doing all the little things to help us all succeed.  I will never forget the support from my teammates and the home crowd cheering every time I went to the line to run. I was very proud to represent the USA and Hunter and I thank you all for your support." And Dudley Fontaine, the only team member to compete with two dogs on the team, says "I am so proud and grateful to have been part of Team USA for the IFCS 2012 World Championships!  The facility was lovely, [with] gorgeous footing, great equipment, and challenging courses.  Everyone that was a part of the team: fellow competitors, coaches, and supporters worked together to create a fantastic group. It was a pleasure and an honor."

The closing ceremony included the passing of the IFCS flag to Wim Bekendam of The Netherlands, where the 2014 IFCS World Agility Championships will be held. USDAA and IFCS President Kenneth Tatsch also announced that next year, IFCS will offer new Continental Championships: the Agility Championships of the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. These new Championships will be exciting and fun!  

For additional event coverage, visit USDAA's youtube channel for videos of runs and interviews with Team Australia's Ian Weston, Team USA's Andy Mueller, Team Canada's Kayl McCann, and Team Mexico's Oscar Gonzalez, or go to www.cynosport.tv and subscribe to videos on demand from the event.

Team USA TOY (12") JUMP HEIGHT Dana Pike Chamberlain and Tangle (All Breed) Daneen Fox and Masher (Papillon) Andy Mueller and Crackers (Jack Russell Terrier) MINI (16") JUMP HEIGHT Kevin Brown and Hunter (Shetland Sheepdog) Maureen Waldron and Mickle (Shetland Sheepdog) Jean Lavalley and Cheer (Shetland Sheepdog) MIDI (22") JUMP HEIGHT Stuart Mah and Ares (Border Collie) Jeannette Hutchison and Rumble (Border Collie) Dudley Fontaine and Sweet (Border Collie) MAXI (26") JUMP HEIGHT Dudley Fontaine and Maverick (Border Collie) Mia Grant and Vic (Border Collie) Terry Smorch and Presto (Border Collie)

Individual All-Around Snooker: Maxi 1 Canada Susan Garrett and Feature 2 USA Terry Smorch and Presto 3 USA Dudley Fontaine and Maverick	Midi 1 Canada Kayl McCann and Slyce 2 Canada Adrian Rooyakkers and Fizz 3 USA Jeannette Hutchison and Rumble
Mini 1 USA Kevin Brown and Hunter 2 USA Jean Lavalley and Cheer 3 Japan Isao Egami and Lemon	Toy 1 USA Dana Pike and Tangle 2 Australia Amin Awad and Devo 3 Japan Masanori Arai and Aska
Individual All-Around Standard: Maxi 1 Canada Susan Garrett and Feature 2 Japan Yuki Furuki and Fuga 3 Canada Tiffany Salmon and Rio	Midi 1 USA Jeannette Hutchison and Rumble 2 USA Stuart Mah and Ares 3 Canada Kayl McCann and Slyce
Mini 1 USA Jean Lavalley and Cheer 2 USA Kevin Brown and Hunter 3 Canada Lucie Robertson and Dune	Toy 1 USA Andy Mueller and Crackers 2 Mexico Oscar Gonzalez and Mika 3 Japan Chie Fukui and Cube

Individual All-Around Gamblers: Maxi 1 Canada Susan Garrett and Feature 2 Hungary Anna Eifert and Nevian 3 New Zealand Deb Jackson and Paint	Midi 1 USA Stuart Mah and Ares 2 Japan Masako Yamamoto and Pozz 3 Canada Adrian Rooyakkers and Fizz
Mini 1 USA Kevin Brown and Hunter 2 Canada Lucie Robertson and Dune 3 USA Maureen Waldron and Mickle	Toy 1 Canada Christine Rediker and Giddy Up 2 USA Andy Mueller and Crackers 3 Canada Christine Rediker and Peter Wabbit

Biathlon Overall: Maxi 1 Hungary Anna Eifert and Nevian 2 USA Mia Grant and Vic 3 USA Dudley Fontaine and Maverick	Midi 1 USA Stuart Mah and Ares 2 USA Jeannette Hutchison and Rumble 3 Canada Kim Cullen and Recess
Mini 1 USA Jean Lavalley and Cheer 2 USA Kevin Brown and Hunter 3 Canada Lucie Robertson and Dune	Toy 1 USA Dana Pike and Tangle 2 USA Andy Mueller and Crackers 3 Canada Christine Rediker and Giddy Up

Team Triathlon Winners
1 Team USA 1 Jeannette Hutchison and Rumble, Jean Lavalley and Cheer, Stuart Mah and Ares, Andy Mueller and Crackers, Dudley Fontaine and Sweet, Daneen Fox and Masher
2 Team USA 2 Kevin Brown and Hunter, Terry Smorch and Presto, Mia Grant and Vic, Maureen Waldron and Mickle, Dana Pike and Tangle
3 Team Canada 2 Tiffany Salmon and Rio, Susan Garrett and Feature, Annie Vezina and Mec

IFCS WAC Judges: Riette Mohr (South Africa), Dave Hanson (USA), Darcy Bennett (Canada), and Tim Laubach (USA)

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