Team BC is the team to beat at the 2015 Western Canada Summer Games under way in Fort McMurray, Alberta, and athletes from Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows are helping to up the medal count.
B.C. enjoyed a podium sweep of the women’s hammer throw with Natasha Akbarizadeh (Maple Ridge), Camryn Rogers (Richmond), Chanell Botsis (Coquitlam) taking the gold, silver and bronze respectively.
Akbarizadeh was a heavy favourite, having won two straight national junior championships in the event.
“I was feeling really confident in the circle,” said Azkbarizadeh.
“Right before my last throw Camryn had her last throw and she threw a 54.14, so I knew I had to step up my game! I was able to throw one just past her. It was nerve racking but I’m glad she was there to help push me.”
Still on the track, Pitt Meadows high school track star Reid Muller won the silver medal in the 800m race in a time of 1:52.45.
Team BC women’s cyclists swept the podium Monday for the fourth-consecutive day. Emily Handford (West Vancouver), Kelsey MacDonald (Pitt Meadows) and Stephanie Denroche (Whistler) finished one, two, and three respectively in general classification.
In the canoe and kayak events on Monday, the B.C. men swept the podium for the second day in K-1 5000m with Team B.C. flag bearer Alex Brent of Dewdney, a member of the Maple Ridge Canoe and Kayak Club finishing first, and teammates Matthew Kholer and Seb Sorescu, both of Maple Ridge finishing second and third respectively.
So far Team BC has brought home 169 medals – 77 ggold, 51 silver and 41 bronze.
There are 10 days of competition in 19 sports.