(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 the flag bearers for Team Canada for the ceremony. closing of the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games.
Vincent won gold in the C-2500m, women’s canoe sprint alongside teammate Sloan MacKenzie in the 15e Games day.
“It is a tremendous honor to be named flag bearer. All my heroes have had this moment and it’s a huge opportunity to follow in the footsteps of great paddlers like Adam van Koeverden and Mark Oldershaw, and turn the spotlight on our sport,” Vincent said.
“I am happy to represent our sport and our country in this way. I wouldn’t be here without the support of my family, coaches and teammates over the years. So I say a big thank you to them, hoping they can celebrate and follow the action from home this evening! »
Kim won the first gold medal in men’s breaking history at the Pan American Games, as the sport made its debut in this competition at Santiago 2023. He also earned a quota place to represent the Canada at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
“I am honored to be named flag bearer. I experienced great emotions when I was told. To be honest, I shed a few tears,” Kim admitted.
“I’m proud to be Canadian and it’s like Canada is telling me that 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 concludes the Santiago 2023 Games with 46 gold, 55 silver and 63 bronze medals to take third place in the nation rankings for the number of medals. Canada’s 164 medals (and 46 gold medals) are Canada’s second-highest total at Pan American Games held outside the country.
Christine Girard, Team Canada chef de mission, said her experience went beyond her expectations.
“Thanks to Canada’s incredible performances every day, I have never been more proud to carry our flag as I have in over 30 sports. This group of athletes has accomplished so much and I was amazed and honored to witness their passion and dedication,” noted Girard.
“It was unique for me to be part of the team behind 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 Sport for the Canadian Olympic Committee, was just as happy to have experienced this adventure.
“This team arrived in Santiago ready and determined to succeed. From these magnificent achievements, to the qualification quota places won for the Paris 2024 Games, I can proudly say: mission accomplished.
“This special group of athletes, led at tonight’s Closing Ceremony by Phil Wizard and Katie, did an exceptional job representing our country. Now is the time to bring this rhythm to Paris next summer,” Myles also mentioned.
No less than 468 athletes represented Team Canada in Santiago over 18 days of competition.