Sport Shorts: Making a Splash in Tokyo
Synchro Swimmers Win Three Gold, One Silver: Canada’s synchronized swim team served notice to the world this week that they are on the rise by capturing three gold medals and adding one silver at the Japan Open in Tokyo. They were led by veteran and 2008 Olympian Marie-Pier Boudreau-Gagnon (Rivière-du-Loup, Que.) who captured gold in the solo event. “This year I’ve changed my style with my choreography and I think the judges appreciated that,” said the 2009 world bronze medallist in solo.
Canada captured two team gold medals. On Tuesday they won the team combination event in a routine called “Dancing in the Streets.” On Thursday they maintained their position in winning a second gold in the team final with a western-themed program. Rounding out the great results were Boudreau-Gagnon and Chloé Isaac (Brossard, Que.) teaming up for a silver medal in duo. It was very nearly a golden sweep for Canada as Boudreau-Gagnon and Isaac won the most points in the free program final but couldn’t quite catch a Spanish duo who won with 188.500 points to Canada’s 187.875.
Annual PASO Assembly Underway: More than 150 delegates from the Americas have gathered in Merida, Mexico for the 2010 general assembly of the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO). Among them are the COC’s new president Marcel Aubut and Toronto 2015 CEO Ian Troop and board chair Roger Garland. The Toronto 2015 team will report on its board of directors, creating a brand, the updated venue plan and the progress on the Athletes’ Village in Toronto. The first Pan Am Games were held in 1951. The next Pan American Games take place in less than 18 months in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Showdown in Germany: Canada is set for the World Hockey Championships in Germany, playing its first game Saturday against Italy. General Manager Mark Messier assembled the roster that has one 2010 gold medallist in Corey Perry and young stars such as John Tavares, Steve Stamkos, Tyler Myers, Evander Kane and Matt Duchene who may see Olympic action in 2014. Russia has beat Canada in the final of the past two World Championships, and will have the services of Alexander Ovechkin.
