Promising Saanich cyclist Erin Attwell pulled in two gold medals and nearly more at the Western Canada Summer Games in Wood Buffalo, Alta.
The 16-year-old won both the individual time trial and the road race, and was fifth in the mountain bike cross-country race.
The future is bright for Attwell, who’s entering Grade 11 at the Maria Montessori Academy in Gordon Head.
“She’s pretty dominant in her age group, we expect more success at the upcoming provincial track championships,” said her coach Lister Farrar.
Attwell is also adding the Canadian Sports School at the Pacific Institute for Sports Excellence to her Grade 11 curriculum. All the more reason for a brighter future, Farrar said.
A pair of Saanich triathletes helped B.C. snare gold in the mixed relay sprint. Brennen Smith and Hannah Henry of Saanich joined Delta’s Michael Milic and Desirae Ridenour of Cowichan Bay at the top of the podium for the mixed relay sprint.
Smith also picked up gold in the men’s relay, while Hannah Henry and her sister Holly joined Ridenour to claim silver in the women’s relay.
Saanich’s Sean van Gessel won gold in men’s single rowing, while Oliver Dugbartey struck gold in both the men’s four and men’s pair.
Saanich’s Ivy Quaintance won gold in the women’s four and teamed with Emma Ayres of Saanich to strike gold in women’s pair. Ayres picked up silver in the quadruple sculls along with Antonia Frappell, who also secured silver in women’s double
B.C. wrapped up the Western Canada Summer Games with a medal total of 134 gold, 86 silver, 61 bronze for a total of 280 medals won.
The B.C. Track Championships are Aug. 28 to 30 at the Greater Victoria Velodrome in Colwood. Attwell is also focused on the upcoming national track championships in Milton, Ont., Oct. 7.
reporter@saanichnews.com