(Santiago Chile) The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) announced that speed paddler Katie Vincent and breaker Philip Kim, who competes under the name “Phil Wizard,” will be Team Canada’s flag bearers at the ceremony. Conclusion of the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games.
Vincent won gold in the women’s C 2500m canoe sprint alongside teammate Sloan MacKenzie in the 15the Gameday.
“It is a great honor to be named a flag bearer. All of my heroes have had this moment and it is a huge opportunity to follow in the footsteps of great paddlers like Adam van Koeverden and Mark Oldershaw and put our sport in the spotlight,” said Vincent.
“I am happy to be able to represent our sport and our country in this way. I wouldn’t be here without the years of support from my family, coaches and teammates. So I say a big thank you to them and hope that they can celebrate and watch the action from home tonight! »
Kim won the first gold medal in men’s world championship history at the Pan American Games when the sport made its debut in the competition in Santiago in 2024. He also secured a quota spot to represent Canada at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“It is an honor to be named a flag bearer. I experienced great emotions when I was told this. “To be honest, I shed a few tears,” Kim admitted.
“I’m proud to be Canadian and it’s like Canada is telling me it’s proud of me, which feels incredible. This is my first time at the Pan American Games, my first experience of the Village and Games environment. It was very special to meet other athletes and the whole experience was wonderful. »
Team Canada finishes the 2023 Games in Santiago with 46 gold, 55 silver and 63 bronze medals, placing them third in the nations rankings in terms of number of medals. Canada’s 164 medals (and 46 gold medals) are Canada’s second-highest Pan American Games total outside of the country.
Christine Girard, Chef de Mission for Team Canada, said her experience exceeded her expectations.
“Thanks to Canada’s incredible achievements every day, I have never been more proud to carry our flag than I have in over 30 sports. “This group of athletes have accomplished so much and I was amazed and honored to see their passion and dedication,” Girard remarked.
“It was unique for me to be part of the team that provided incredible support to our Canadian athletes. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Team Canada at Paris 2024.”
Eric Myles, head of sports for the Canadian Olympic Committee, was equally happy to have experienced this adventure.
“This team arrived in Santiago ready and determined to succeed. From these great successes to the qualification places won for the 2024 Games in Paris, I can proudly say: mission accomplished.
“This special group of athletes, led by Phil Wizard and Katie at the graduation ceremony tonight, did an exceptional job representing our country. Now it’s time to bring that rhythm to Paris next summer,” Myles also said.
No fewer than 468 athletes represented Team Canada over 18 days of competition in Santiago.
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