Ontario had a banner day on Day 2 of competition at the 2019 Canada Winter Games with 2 gold medals and a silver medal in the free technique sprint event. NTDC Thunder Bay athletes Graham Ritchie (Big Thunder) and Pierre Grall Johnson (Nakketok) took the led at the halfway point of the A Final and didn’t look back after posting the top 2 qualifying times. “The best feeling was sharing this with fellow NTDC Thunder Bay teammate Pierre, our skis were awesome – a huge shout out to the wax techs”. This is Graham’s second medal of the games after winning a bronze medal in the 10K free technique individual start race yesterday. The bronze medal also has an Ontario connection with LU Thunderwolves Conor McGovern also on the podium.
NTDC Thunder Bay athlete and LU Thunderwolves Shaylynn Loewen (Georgian Nordic) posted the 4th fastest time in the qualifier and moved through the heats with ease. Shaylynn had a come from behind push in the final 100 metres to take the gold medal. This is Shay’s first gold medal at a National event. “Everything lined up today – wax techs did an amazing job and the course suited me well”.
NTDC Coach Camille Cheskey is the Head Coach of the CWG Team Ontario and was thrilled with the results. Everyone had a great day today with all our athletes qualifying for the heats. The wax techs outdid themselves and put all the athletes in a great position.
Ontario Paranordic rounded out the medal haul with Kyle Barber of Lively, ON taking a silver medal in the PN standing category 2.5Km free technique and 3-time CWG athlete Tanya Quesnel of Sudbury, ON winning a silver medal in the PN Sitting category 2.5km event. Patti Kitler, PN coach was pleased with the entire team’s results.
