Three Canadian shooting athletes to make Olympic debut at Paris 2024
TORONTO (MAY 31, 2024) – The Shooting Federation of Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee have announced the roster of Team Canada shooting athletes nominated to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The athletes are:
Michele Esercitato (Calgary, Alta.)
Tye Ikeda (Calgary, Alta.)
Shannon Westlake (Keswick, Ont.)
The athletes were selected for Team Canada after winning their respective team selection trials this past weekend. All three athletes will make their Olympic debut at Paris 2024.
Shannon Westlake earned Canada an Olympic quota in women’s 50m rifle 3 positions when she won the bronze medal at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games. It was the first medal for the 38-year-old at a major Games, after placing in the top-20 at both the Lima 2019 and Toronto 2015 Pan American Games. Westlake credits her mental performance work and visualization techniques for helping her secure the medal and Olympic quota spot in Santiago, having had to make a crucial final shot under pressure. Paris 2024 will be the first time in 24 years that Canada has had an entry in women’s rifle at the Olympic Games.
“When I won the bronze medal in Santiago and secured Canada a Paris quota spot by shooting a perfect 10.9, it was extremely overwhelming – not only was I excited about my amazing performance; but I also felt the joy and honour of winning a quota spot for my event – an event that Canada had not obtained a quota spot in for over 20 years,” said Westlake.
“Then, when I won the Olympic trials last weekend, it was a rush of excitement, relief, and even surprise – it feels so surreal to be living my Olympic dream of winning the nomination to represent my country at the biggest sporting event in the world. It has been a very long climb to get to this point and I could not have done it alone. I have so many people who have supported and continue to support me throughout this journey. I am so grateful and honoured to be able to represent Canada this summer in Paris,” she added.
Tye Ikeda won the silver medal in men’s 50m rifle 3 positions at the 2024 Championships of the Americas, which qualified Canada a quota spot in the event. Ikeda competed in his first major Games at Santiago 2023 where he came close to the podium, finishing fourth. The 27-year-old, along with coach Dave Woolridge, were recipients of the Canadian Olympic Foundation’s 2023 Future Olympians Fund award.
“I am very fortunate to be competing for Team Canada in Paris at my first Olympic Games. The past few years of training have been incredibly valuable, and to see my Olympic dream come to reality feels surreal,” said Ikeda. “I could not have gotten to this point on my own and am thankful for the support I have received from so many, including the Future Olympians Fund program with the Canadian Olympic Foundation. The program saw my potential, brought me in, and became a factor in my success on my journey to the Olympics.”
Michele Esercitato began representing Canada internationally in 2023. The 22-year-old defeated Santiago 2023 gold medallist, Tugrul Ozer, in the 10m air pistol event at the Canadian team selection trials to earn his spot on the Canadian Olympic Team. The Italian-born University of Calgary student is thrilled to be making his major Games debut after having been an alternate for Santiago 2023.
Team Canada has won nine Olympic shooting medals, including four at London 1908. The most recent Canadian athlete to have won an Olympic shooting medal was Linda Thom, who won gold at Los Angeles 1984.
Shooting will take place July 27 to August 5 (Day 1 to 10) at the Chateauroux Shooting Centre.
‘’These three Team Canada shooters will make their Olympic debut, and get ready, their talent will resonate loud and clear. They have aimed right and overcome all obstacles to qualify for Paris 2024. Their focus is tangible, their precision undeniable, and these athletes have their goals clearly in sight,‘’ said Bruny Surin, Team Canada’s Paris 2024 Chef de Mission. ‘’I look forward to supporting them in this exciting environment and cheering them on with the rest of Canada at the shooting range.‘’
Team Canada’s shooting team for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games also includes the following coaches:
Lisa Borgerson (Fort Qu’Appelle, Sask.) – National Pistol Coach
Dave Woolridge (St. John’s, N.L.) – National Rifle Coach
Prior to being named to Team Canada, all nominations are subject to approval by the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Team Selection Committee following its receipt of nominations by all National Sport Organizations.
The latest Team Canada Paris 2024 roster can be found here.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jasmine Northcott, Chief Executive Officer
Shooting Federation of Canada
C: 613-371-4025
E: jnorthcott@sfc-ftc.ca
Tara MacBournie, Program Manager, Sport Communications
Canadian Olympic Committee
C: 647-522-8328
E: tmacbournie@olympic.ca