Katie Vincent and Phil Wizard named Team Canada’s Santiago 2023 Closing Ceremony Flag bearers
Team Canada earned 164 medals for its biggest medal haul at a non-hosted Pan Am Games since Mar del Plata 1995
SANTIAGO (November 5, 2023) – The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) announced paddler Katie Vincent, and breaker Philip Kim, better known as Phil Wizard, as Team Canada’s flag bearers for the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games Closing Ceremony.
Vincent won gold in canoe sprint in the women’s C-2 500m with her partner Sloan MacKenzie on Day 15. Kim won the first-ever gold medal in the men’s breaking b-boy competition at the Pan Am Games as the sport made its debut at Santiago 2023. He also secured a quota spot to represent Canada at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Team Canada finishes Santiago 2023 with 46 gold, 55 silver and 63 bronze medals to place third overall in total medals. Canada’s 164 medals (and 46 gold medals) are the second-most ever at a non-hosted Pan Am Games.
468 athletes represented Team Canada in Santiago over 18 days of competition. In addition to the medal tally, highlights from these Pan American Games include:
- Canada’s youngest athlete at the Pan Am Games, 13-year-old skateboarder Fay de Fazio Ebert, won gold in the women’s park competition.
- Maggie Mac Neil took home five gold medals, setting the record for most gold medals won by a Canadian at a singular Pan Am Games. Mac Neil set two Pan Am records in the process.
- Gymnast Felix Dolci became the first Canadian to win the Pan Am Games men’s all-around gold in 60 years.
- Ethan Katzberg set a Pan Am Games record with his gold medal-winning hammer throw.
- Phil Wizard won the first breaking b-boy competition at the Pan Am Games.
- Canadian fencers won 12 total medals to set a new Team Canada record at a single Pan Am Games.
QUOTES:
“It is a huge honour to be named flag bearer. All my heroes have done it, it’s a huge opportunity to be following in the footsteps of paddling greats like Adam van Koeverden and Mark Oldershaw, shining a light on our sport. I am glad I can represent our sport and country in this way. I wouldn’t be here without the support of my family, coaches, and teammates over the years, so a big thank you to them. I hope they can celebrate and watch from home tonight!”
– Katie Vincent, Pan Am Games gold medallist and Team Canada’s Closing Ceremony Flag Bearer
“I am honoured to be named flag bearer. It was an emotional moment when they told me. I cried a little bit, to be honest. I’m proud to be Canadian and it feels like Canada I guess is proud of me, which is a really good feeling. This was my first time at the Pan Am Games, my first time in a village and a Games environment. It was really cool meeting other athletes and this experience overall has been amazing.”
– Philip Kim, Pan Am Games gold medallist and Team Canada’s Closing Ceremony Flag Bearer
“My experience as Chef de Mission was all I expected and more. With amazing Canadian performances happening daily, I have never been more proud to hold the Canadian flag as I did at over 30 events. This group of athletes accomplished so much and I was amazed and honoured to witness their passion and dedication. It was unique for me to be part of the team behind the team that provided such outstanding support to our Canadian athletes. It was special to be a part of and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Team Canada at Paris 2024.”
– Christine Girard, Team Canada’s Santiago 2023 Chef de Mission
“This team arrived in Santiago prepared and was determined to succeed. From their tremendous achievements to the number of qualification spots earned for Paris 2024, I can proudly say: mission accomplished. This special group of athletes, who will be led into tonight’s Closing Ceremony by Phil Wizard and Katie, did an exceptional job of representing our country. It’s now time to carry this momentum into Paris next summer.”
– Eric Myles, Chief Sports Officer, Canadian Olympic Committee
“The Pan Am Games are an incredible opportunity for athletes across the Americas to compete and showcase their talent, hard work and values. Team Canada athletes made all Canadians proud by the way they carried themselves both on and off the field of play. Their incredible performances inspired us and it was an honour to cheer them on every step of the way. Thank you to the Santiago 2023 Organizing Committee and Panam Sports for putting on a great Games and to the generous people of Santiago for welcoming us with open arms.”
– Tricia Smith, President, Canadian Olympic Committee
DAY 16
On Sunday, November 5, Team Canada added three silver and two bronze to bring Canada’s final medal total to 164. Here is what you need to know.
TEAM CANADA’S FINAL MEDAL COUNT:
GOLD: 46 | SILVER: 55 | BRONZE: 63 | TOTAL: 164
- Bowling
- Mitch Hupé (Winnipeg, Man.) won silver in the men’s singles to add to the silver medal he won with partner Francois Lavoie in the men’s doubles.
- Mitch Hupé (Winnipeg, Man.) won silver in the men’s singles to add to the silver medal he won with partner Francois Lavoie in the men’s doubles.
- Karate
- Melissa Bratic (Mississauga, Ont.) won bronze in the women’s 68 kg event.
- Golf
- Alena Sharp (Hamilton, Ont.) won bronze in the women’s individual event.
- Squash
- Canada won silver in the women’s team event, bringing the sport’s total medals to four at Santiago 2023.
- Table Tennis
- Canada won silver in the men’s team event.
PARIS 2024 QUALIFICATION TRACKER:
RESOURCES:
VISIT: Olympic.ca/press-resources/ for other information.
FOLLOW: @TeamCanadaPR for medal alerts and other important facts.
PARIS 2024: Olympic qualification for Paris 2024 at Santiago 2023.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Sam Sokol, Press Operations Lead
Team Canada
WhatsApp: 647-385-7107
E: ssokol@olympic.ca
Thomas Hall, Press Chief
Team Canada
WhatsApp: 514-709-1054
E: thall@olympic.ca