Pan Am medallists selected to lead racquetball team at TO2015
Feature: Christine Richardson (Photo by: Janet Hoffar/Tourism Burnaby)
Racquetball Canada named an impressive roster to represent the nation in July. The team features five Pan Am veterans including three medallists.
Related: Racquetball’s return at Guadalajara 2011
The men’s team will be led by Pan Am medallists: Mike Green, Vincent Gagnon, and Tim Landeryou. Green has competed in three Pan Am Games and brought home the silver medal in men’s singles in 2003. Gagnon also earned a spot on the podium at the 2003 games finishing third in men’s singles. Landeryou has earned his bronze medal in men’s doubles at the Guadalajara 2011 Games.
Colby Iwasa (Photoby: Janet Hoffar/Tourism Burnaby)
Rising star Coby Iwaasa is the newest addition to the national team. Iwaasa made Canadian racquetball history when he became the first player to win both men’s singles and doubles at Junior and Senior National Championships this year. Iwaasa teamed up with Green to win the senior doubles title.
Pan Am veterans Jennifer Saunders and Frédérique Lambert are no strangers to international competitions with a total of five Pan Am Games under their belts. Both Saunders and Lambert have won multiple World Championships medals and are looking to step onto the Pan Am podium for the first time in July.
Women’s doubles at 2015 Senior Nationals (Photo by: Photo: Janet Hoffar/Tourism Burnaby)
“A Pan Am Games medal is the only thing missing from my racquetball accomplishments. I can’t think of a better time or place to win one than at our home Pan Am Games in Toronto this summer. I cannot wait for this incredible opportunity,” said Saunders, three-time Pan Am Games athlete who also has 10 World Championship medals.
Related: Racquetball Canada national teams list
The team is determined to win Canada’s first Pan Am gold medal in racquetball on home court this summer. The racquetball competition will run July 19 to 26 at the Toronto Pan Am Exhibition Centre (Get tickets).
