TEAM CANADA WRAPS UP SANTIAGO 2023 PARAPAN AMERICAN GAMES WITH 12 PARA-CYCLING MEDALS
Santiago, CHE (Nov. 28, 2023) – Team Canada’s para-cyclists made a strong impression at the biggest multi-sport event ever held in Chile, with a team of seven athletes racking up 12 medals in addition to setting new records and personal bests at the Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games, held from Nov. 17-26.
“We could not have asked for a better performance from our team at the Parapan American Games,” said National Team Coach Phil Abbot. “We are looking forward to seeing what 2024 holds for this talented group.”
On Nov. 19, road athletes won the first four medals for para-cycling. Alex Hayward, 26, of Quispamsis, NB, was the first to claim gold with victory in the men’s C1-5 category. He was joined on the podium by teammate Mike Sametz, 27, of Calgary, AB, who took bronze. Later that day, Nathan Clement, 29, of West Vancouver, BC, also touched victory in the T1-2 mixed category, while Charles Moreau, 41, of Victoriaville, QC, was able to take home bronze in the H1-5 men’s category.
Switching gears, four athletes took to the track on Nov. 23 and 24. Mel Pemble, 23, of Victoria, BC, (women’s C1-5) and Hayward (men’s C1-5) began their track journey with silver and bronze in the individual time trial. Sametz and Keely Shaw, 29, of Midale, SK, finished fifth and seventh, respectively, setting personal bests. The following day, all four athletes were on a mission, as Pemble (women’s C1-3), Hayward (men’s C1-3) and Shaw (women’s C4-5) set new Parapan American records in the individual pursuit, securing victory for Pemble and Hayward, silver for Shaw and bronze for Sametz (men’s C1-3).
On Nov. 26, para-cyclists wrapped up the Parapan American Games by adding two medals to the Canadian team medal count thanks to the efforts of Nathan Clement (T1-2 – ) and Alex Hayward (C1-3) in the road race.
After representing Canada as flag bearer at the opening ceremony, Shelley Gautier, 55, of Niagara Falls, ON, successfully completed her two road events in the T1-2 mixed category, finishing fifth in the road race and seventh in the time trial.
Of the 140 athletes present at Santiago 2023, Hayward was the most decorated with a total of four medals to his credit. The para-cycling team’s total of 12 medals was tied with the para-athletics team for the largest number by sport within the Canadian team.
More information, including results and the full schedule of events, can be found at www.santiago2023.org.
