Sport Shorts: Big-Time Medals in Synchronized Swimming
Boudreau-Gagnon’s Feat: Marie-Pier Boudreau-Gagnon spurred the synchronized swim team into what their coach called a turning point for the national program. At the FINA World Cup in Changshu, China, Boudreau-Gagnon (Riviere-du-Loup, Que.) helped win four medals for Canada, the best international showing ever for the team at a single competition. The FINA World Cup is the third-biggest event for the sport after the Olympic Games and World Championships.
Boudreau-Gagnon won silver in duet with Chloe Isaac (Brossard, Que.), bronze in solo, bronze in team combo and bronze in the team event. The team also included Jo-Annie Fortin (Montreal), Ève Lamoureux (Montreal), Tracy Little (Pointe-Claire, Que.) Élise Marcotte (l’Ancienne-Lorette, Que.), Valérie Welsh (St-Nicolas, Que.) and Erin Willson (Toronto).
‘’Canada confirmed it is back among the world’s elite and will be a medal contender at the Olympics,’’ said coach Julie Sauvé. ‘’These girls are winners and fighters. They are determined to get better and ready to put in the work to be the best.’’
Spencer Golden: At the London 2012 Olympic Games, you might hear about a boxer named Mary Spencer. On Saturday in Barbados, the Windsor, Ont. resident captured gold in 75 kg. Spencer defeated China’s Li Jinzi in the final match, bolstering Spencer’s already-impressive resume. She was also world champion in 2005 and 2008, as well as six-time Canadian champion beginning first in 2004. Women’s boxing will debut in 2012.
Zelinka Soars: Calgary’s Jessica Zelinka finished 3rd this past weekend at the IAAF World Combined Events Challenge in Talence, France. The heptathlete scored 6,204 points, topped only by the reining European and Olympic champions. Zelinka’s score is her highest this season, and 5th-best of her career.
Riders Finish 3rd: Canada’s show jumping team finished 3rd on Sunday as the Spanish Tour wrapped up in Barcelona. Competing against eight nations, Canada finished with 18 faults, which tied Spain but a faster time gave the host country 2nd spot overall. The Canadian team: Yann Candele (Caledon, Ont.) Ian Millar (Perth, Ont.), Jenna Thompson (Calgary), and Keean White (Rockwood, Ont.).
Skaters Set: Six short track speed skaters have qualified for the Fall World Cup season. If you followed the recent Olympic Winter Games, you’ll recognize a few: Charles Hamelin (Ste-Julie, Que.), Olivier Jean (Lachenaie, Que.) Marianne St-Gelais (St-Félicien, Que.) Valérie Maltais (La Baie, Que.), Marie-Ève Drolet (Latterière, Que.) and Michael Gilday (Yellowknife). The first events are held in Canada, in Montreal Oct. 22-24 and in Québec City Oct. 29-31.
Sostorics Retires: The third-highest scoring defenceman in Canadian hockey history has announced her retirement. Colleen Sostorics, 30, from Kennedy, Sask. had truly a career of champions. She won World Championship gold three times (2001, 2004, 2007) as well as three straight Olympic titles in 2002, 2006 and 2010. That’s certainly a nice way to bow out as an athlete, winning the biggest prize on Canadian ice at the Olympic Winter Games. Congratulations and good luck, Colleen!
