Canadian Olympic Committee Congratulates Today's Canadian Medallists at the 2011 Pan American Games

Canada now stands with 66 medals (18 gold, 23 silver, 25 bronze) as the middle weekend ends and the stretch run begins at Guadalajara 2011. The Canadian Pan American Team sits third in the overall medal count, behind the United States (156) and Brazil (68) and ahead of the host country, Mexico (56).

“Our athletes represent the best Canada has to offer and they have proven themselves to be of the highest quality,” said Curt Harnett, Assistant Chef de Mission of the Canadian Pan American Team. “Our country is proud of you all. Congratulations!”

Water skier Whitney McClintock (Cambridge, Ont.) won three medals Sunday: gold in the tricks event, and silver in slalom and in jumps. "I was very positive, and I actually jumped the best that I have in two years,” McClintock said. “Winning the trick gold today was definitely a highlight of the Pan Ams. It's always good to bring home gold."

Her brother Jason McClintock (Hesepler, Ont.) earned two silver medals of his own, finishing second in the tricks and slalom events. "I'm happy with the slalom silver today, but I did leave
something on the table. I went in going for gold,” he said. “It was a very supportive atmosphere here and the crowds were great. Overall, a good experience."

Karen Stevens (Iroquois, Ont.) completed Canada’s great day on the water with two bronze medals – one each in slalom and in jumps. "I had to make sure I was on my game today,” Stevens said. “It's awesome to come home with two medals. I'm very happy with the way it has gone. I also think it's great for our sport to have the opportunity to compete with athletes from other sports at a Games. We've had a great time."

Equestrian Jessica Phoenix (Cannington, Ont.) won gold in the individual eventing competition. “It seems unreal. It's a dream come true,” Phoenix said. “I love this sport so much and I'm so excited for its future. The biggest honour is riding for your country.”

The Canadian team of Phoenix, James Atkinson (Mountain Road, Man.), Hawley Bennett (Langley, B.C.), Rebecca Howard (Salmon Arm, B.C.) and Selena O’ Hanlon (Elgin, Ont.) took silver in the team eventing competition. “I’m so proud to be part of our team,” said Howard. “I’m really excited about my first medal and now I’m really keen and hungry to start a collection.”

The Canadian softball team won silver, finishing with a record of 7-3 for the tournament. “Anytime you can put a medal on your neck, no matter what colour, it's great for your country,” said catcher Kaleigh Rafter (Guelph, Ont.). “It's been a great experience all around. We will go home with our heads high and a silver medal around our necks."

Steven Takahashi (London, Ont.) won bronze in the men’s 55 kg freestyle wrestling division. “This is my first senior competition, so it’s a big accomplishment to win a medal here,” said Takahashi. “I thought I should have done better, but it’s a big stepping stone in my career.”

Wrestler Jeffrey Adamson (Saskatoon, Sask.) took bronze in the men’s freestyle 84 kg division. “It feels good to have won a bronze medal,” Adamson said. “Coming into the Games, my preparation was great. I’ve got a really good support team and I’m really proud to have won a medal for Canada.”

Sunny Dhinsa (Abbotsford, B.C.) earned the silver medal in the men’s 120 kg freestyle wrestling competition. “I feel great. I’m one of the youngest athletes here,” Dhinsa said. “I want to thank my family, my coaches and my trainers for getting me here.”

Brent McMahon (Victoria, B.C.) took bronze in the men’s triathlon event in Puerto Vallarta. “I feel really happy. I came in wanting to win and I went for it right from the start,” said McMahon. “I put everything I could out there, and that’s all I can do, so I’m really happy.”

About the Canadian Olympic Committee
The Canadian Olympic Committee is a national, private, not-for-profit organization committed to sport excellence. It is responsible for all aspects of Canada's involvement in the Olympic Movement, including Canada's participation in the Olympic, Youth Olympic and Pan American Games and a wide variety of programs that promote the Olympic Movement in Canada through cultural and educational means. For news and information, visit the COC website at www.olympic.ca and find the team on both Facebook (Canadian Olympic Team) and Twitter (@CDNOlympicTeam).

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For further information contact:
Dimitri Soudas, Executive Director, Communications, Canadian Olympic Committee
Tel.: (416) 324-4136