Led by Félix Dolci, Canadian men's gymnastics could be on the comeback trail

For the first time since 2008, a Canadian men's gymnastics team is competing at the Olympics.

Led by Pan Am Games champion Félix Dolci, the plan is to not wait that long again.

The team qualified for the Olympics at the Pan Am Games last October, when Dolci was the first Canadian to win Pan Am artistic gymnastics gold since Wilhelm Weiler in 1963. 

On Saturday, Dolci, the 22-year-old from Laval, Que., led all Canadians with 81.498 points as they placed third in their qualifying group and squeaked into the team final, placing eighth overall. Dolci will also compete in the all-around final alongside Rene Cournoyer.

The men's team final goes at 11:30 a.m. ET on Monday, while the all-around final is the same time on Wednesday.

Curtis Hibbert, the first Canadian man to ever win a world-championship medal, said he sees podium potential in Dolci.

"The skill level's there. He's well-rounded. We've had gymnasts that have very strong pommel horse or a couple of events are very strong. But to have someone like him come out the way he's performing, definitely he has the opportunity," Hibbert said.

WATCH | Dolci wins Pan Am gold:

And while it seems there could be plenty of athletic success in Dolci's future, his greater power could be in reintroducing his sport to Canadians.

It starts with the squad's increased visibility in Paris that, thus far, has already brought back supporters like Hibbert who competed for Team Canada at the 1988 and 1992 Olympics.

"These guys are great. They all look good, so that's a big bonus for marketing and whatever. Hopefully they can get some sponsorship and stay in the limelight," Hibbert said.

"The energy that they have and definitely you can see their love for the sport. They're fantastic."

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