Manitoba athletes successful medals, breaking data 1 week into Canada Summer Games

Manitoba athletes are including their names to the historical past books on the 2025 Canada Summer Games in St. John’s. 

Swimmer Maxine Lavitt broke the Canada Games report within the 50-metre freestyle para ladies’s race with a time of 28.28 en path to a gold medal on Thursday. It’s one among 5 medals she’s taking dwelling from the Games. 

“It’s really special for me,” Lavitt instructed CBC News Friday. “I think it’s really cool that I get to have my name there, until the next Games. We’ll see how long it stands for.” 

“It means a lot to me because this was my last swim meet of my career,” she mentioned. “I’m taking a step back after these Games, so it was really special for me to go out with a bang, basically.” 

Beyond the medals, Lavitt additionally mentioned collaborating within the competitors was a significant expertise.

“Being Red River Métis it was really special for me to represent my homeland and my province at the same time and for everyone at home to be watching me,” she mentioned. “And for everyone to be watching me, I’ve had so many people in my support circle who have helped bring me here.

“It’s been a extremely lengthy yr coaching to get right here, so I’m joyful all of it paid off,” Lavitt said. 

Manitoba had gained 17 medals on the 2025 Games as of Friday night. Team ‘Toba introduced dwelling 37 medals on the 2022 Games. 

The Games began Aug. 8 and run until Aug. 25. The competition’s first week has been affected by the ongoing wildfire situation in Newfoundland and Labrador, which has forced multiple venue changes and postponements.

“We’re so pleased with all of our athletes and groups this week, placing in a single excellent efficiency after one other in extremely tough circumstances,” said Team Manitoba chef de mission Drew Todd, in a statement to CBC News. 

‘I was in disbelief’

Also adding to Manitoba’s medal count is William Wintoniw, who won a bronze medal Thursday in the canoe kayak C-1 5,000-metre men’s race. 

“I used to be in disbelief to be sincere for the primary perhaps half hour after my race ,” he said. “I wasn’t fairly anticipating it, however I used to be fairly overjoyed. 

Wintoniw mentioned with the ability to rejoice along with his household felt “surreal.” 

“I’m a lot younger than some of the competitors,” he mentioned. “I was going in with the mindset that I want to win, but I knew that there were a lot of others guys with a lot of experience.” 

While Wintoniw nonetheless goals  to compete in yet one more Canada Games, Lavitt had some recommendation for different athletes who characterize Team Manitoba this yr and sooner or later earlier than she walks away from competing: Have enjoyable.

“For some people this is the only time they’re going to have a major Games experience,” she mentioned. “It’s just [about] having as much fun as possible and not taking yourself too seriously.”