Saskatchewan swimmers win multiple medals at Parapan Am Games
Regina-born swimmer Morgan Bird win double gold, Samantha Ryan captures silver
Morgan Bird redefined what is means to dominate on day two of the Parapan Am Games.
The Regina-born swimmer — who now calls Calgary home — won two gold medals and set two Parapan Am records on Sunday.
This girl is on fire in the water. <a href="https://twitter.com/birdie993">@birdie993</a> powers to another GOLD in women's 50m freestyle S8 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PARATOUGH?src=hash">#PARATOUGH</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TO2015?src=hash">#TO2015</a> <a href="http://t.co/e0sVSEMdNS">pic.twitter.com/e0sVSEMdNS</a>
—@CDNParalympics"I did not see that coming," said Bird, 21, who has cerebral palsy. "It's been a busy night for me."
Bird finished first in the women's 400-metre freestyle S8 and 50-metre freestyle S8. She'll look to add another medal on Thursday in the women's 100-metre freestyle.
Silver for Saskatoon swimmer
Not to be outdone, Saskatoon's Samantha Ryan started day three with a bang.
At only 16 years old, Ryan already has Parapan Am Games record and silver medal on her resume. After fellow Canadian Aurelie Rivard set a Games record in the women's 100-metre butterfly S10, Ryan beat that time in the very next heat.
Ryan went on to win silver in the final, falling just behind Rivard.
The best of the rest
Canada's wheelchair basketball teams were off to a perfect start on the weekend.
Prince Albert's Erica Gavel and the women's team won both their opening games convincingly. Most importantly, their 80-39 win against Mexico secured the women's team a spot in the 2016 Summer Paralympics in Rio.
DEFENCE!!!! Huge win tonight, and, it's official... Our SWNT just qualified for the 2016 Rio Janeiro Paralympic Summer Games!!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GOCANADA?src=hash">#GOCANADA</a>
—@EricaGavelOn the men's side, Saskatchewan's Nik Goncin scored 18 points as Canada beat Venezuela 102-27 in their opening game.
Saskatoon cyclist Shawna Ryan finished seventh in mixed individual pursuit (track) on Monday. On Saturday, she finished in sixth place in the mixed road race finals.
Leoville's Bob Hudson took aim in the men's compound archery quarterfinals, but lost 144-132 to his American opponent.
Rosthern's Dave Marchand is hoping to rebound tonight. Marchand is a member of Canada's sitting volleyball team who won their opening match on Saturday, but lost to Brazil on Sunday. Marchand and Canada will take on the United States on Monday at 5 p.m. CST.
Here is when Saskatchewan athletes are competing next:
Monday, Aug. 10 (all times in CST)
Women's club throw
- Final at 3:12 p.m. (Becky Richter, Saskatoon)
Men's wheelchair basketball
- Canada vs Mexico at 4:30 p.m. (Nik Goncin, Edenwold)
Swimming
- Women's 100m Butterfly S10 final at 3:11 p.m. (Samantha Ryan, Saskatoon)
- Women's 50m Freestyle S10 final at 5:32 p.m. (Samantha Ryan, Saskatoon)
Sitting volleyball
- Canada vs United States at 5 p.m. (Dave Marchand, Rosthern)
Tuesday, Aug. 11
Sitting volleyball
- Canada vs Mexico at 1 p.m. (Dave Marchand, Rosthern)
Cycling
- Mixed Time Trial (Track) finals at 2:00 p.m. (Shawna Ryan, Saskatoon)
Women's wheelchair basketball
- Canada vs Brazil 2:15 p.m. (Erica Gavel, Prince Albert)
Athletics
- Women's 100m T52 final at 3:14 p.m. (Becky Richter, Saskatoon)
- Women's Discus Throw F51/52 final at 3:42 p.m. (Becky Richter, Saskatoon)
Swimming
- Women's 400m Freestyle S10 final at 3:30 p.m. (Samantha Ryan, Saskatoon)
Men's wheelchair basketball
- Canada vs Argentina at 4:30 p.m. (Nik Goncin, Edenwold)