SHERBROOKE, QC – With the Games coming to a close in a few days, Team BC athletes were eager to add to the medal count today. In the most successful day to date in week two, teams pulled it out and claimed a total of 12 medals, bringing BC’s overall total to 83 medals in theses Games.
Athletics saw the biggest haul with a total of ten medals – five gold, four silver and 1 bronze. It was a particularly successful day for Team BC throwers, with Adam Keenan (Victoria) earning gold in the men’s hammer throw event, and setting a new Canada Games record. Keenan’s 65.96m throw broke Team BC alumnus Dylan Armstrong’s 2001 Canada Games record and has earned the 19-year old thrower the top spot in this competition.
“I wasn’t aware that I broke Dylan Armstrong’s record,” said Keenan. “I’m told this is the second one I’ve taken from Dylan. I have major respect for his accomplishments so I’m really happy.”
In the women’s discus, 17-year old Agnes Esser (Duncan) came ready to throw and showed up strong. Esser took gold with a throw of 46.16m, edging out Ontario’s Kelly Gribbons who threw 44.62m.
Also throwing some serious distances, throwers Samantha Kennedy (Surrey) and Lauren Stuart (Smithers) who climbed the podium in the women’s hammer event. Only a short distance behind Alberta’s Samme Groeneveld, Kennedy scored silver with a throw of 52.31m, while teammate Lauren Stuart won bronze with a throw of 51.94m. Although happy with the results, both athletes felt there was room for improvement.
“I didn’t throw what I’m capable of but I’m happy I ended up on the podium,” said 21-year old Stuart. “The circle was slow and threw us off a bit. Despite being ranked first and second coming into the Games, I’ve learnt not to take anything for granted”.
“I didn’t throw what I wanted to throw but I wanted to medal. I achieved that goal so I’m happy about that,” said Kennedy. “ It’s really nice being on a podium with a teammate. I really like that and I’m proud of both of us.”
In men’s high jump, Django Lovett (Surrey) won gold in an exciting competition that saw him and Ontario’s Alhaji Mansaray tied, forcing them to a jump off at 2.14 metres. The bar was then lowered after two misses and Lovett claimed the gold medal at 2.12 metres.
The track also saw some action today with Tristan Smyth (Maple Ridge) winning gold in the men’s 1500m wheelchair race. His second medal of the Games, Smyth had also earned silver in the men’s 400m wheelchair race earlier today.
“With two races today, I just tried to prepare mentally and physically the best I could,” said Smyth. “I really wanted the 1500m race so I’m super happy with how things turned out.”
Later this afternoon, Ben Ayesu-Attah (Coquitlam) won silver in the men’s 400m event. The 20-year old runner achieved a personal best with a time of 46.82 while team mate Brendon Restall (Victoria) finished 6th with a time of 48.04.
The day’s events culminated with the men’s 1500m event where two BC runners went head to head. Lucas Bruchet (Vancouver) set a competitive pace and maintained the lead for the majority of the race. However, in a final 100-metre surge, teammate Thomas Riva (Victoria) kicked it up a notch to claim gold, while Bruchet crossed the line second, earning him a silver medal.
“I am just thrilled with that performance,” said Jen Schutz. “The guys ran really well and it was a personal best for both Thomas and Luc.”
At the pool, young Courtney Hattie (Victoria) found success, earning bronze in the women’s 1m springboard event. Up against some serious talent throughout the competition, she successfully pulled off her dives with an overall score of 258.95
Team BC also found success at Lac des Nations today with Brian Malfesi (Maple Ridge) and Patrick Dann (Victoria) winning bronze in the men’s K-2 200 m event. This is Malfesi’s third medal in these Games, having won gold and silver in the men’s K-1 1000m and K-1 500m respectively.
With 83 medals, Team BC is tied for third place with Alberta in overall standings. Tomorrow will see Team BC golf’s third round of play, a number of fencing finals, rowing finals, as well as more final competitions from athletics.
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About Team BC
Every four years the Province of British Columbia assembles a team of athletes, coaches, managers and mission staff to represent the province at Canada's premiere multi-sport events - the Canada Winter Games, the Canada Summer Games and the Western Canada Summer Games. Representing the best in BC, they are known as Team BC. The Team BC program is more than British Columbia's best; it is also about building excellence. For some athletes, the Canada Games are a goal along the way to what they hope will be success in sport at major multi-sport Games including Olympic and Paralympic Games.
About the Canada Games
The Canada Games are a national multi-sport competition with participation from every province and territory in Canada. The Games are held every two years, alternating between winter and summer. The 2013 Canada Summer Games will be held August 2 – 17, 2013 in Sherbrooke, Quebec, bringing together approximately 4,500 athletes who will be competing in 20 disciplines, along with coaches, managers and officials from coast to coast.
For more information on Team BC, including latest results, athlete profiles and calendar of upcoming events, visit www.teambc.org. High resolution images are available for download through flickr.com or directly on Team BC’s website.
Team BC Media Contact in Sherbrooke:
Tina Sarazin
Media Manager, Team BC
Mobile: 778-989-8462
tinasarazin@gmail.com