By Sarah Tone, Communications Coordinator
After two weeks of intense competition against the best this nation has to offer, Team Manitoba finished off the 2023 Canada Winter Games with 19 medals: 6 gold, 6 silver, and 7 bronze.
With major successes in long track speed skating and archery, it was figure skating that came out on top, with a gold medal in pairs, and a score that became a new Canadian record.
Our archers hit the podium in every single matchup in Prince Edward Island, earning six total medals. With such a strong showing, our gold medallists Chyler Sanders (18, Winnipeg) and Ryder Wilson (16, Selkirk) earned their nominations and selection as co-flag bearers for the closing ceremony of the 2023 Canada Winter Games.
“Chyler, Ryder, and our entire archery squad were emblematic of a successful week two for all of Team Manitoba at the Games. Four medals,, including two gold, made it an easy choice to have Chyler and Ryder lead us into the athlete parade at the closing ceremony. One of the best parts of my position is getting to announce our flag bearer selections, and it was evident both athletes were excited and honoured to take up the mantle for our province,” said Chef de Mission Drew Todd.
Chyler Sanders is bringing home two medals from the Games, having hit the podium in both her events – a gold in compound individual female, and a bronze in compound team mix.
Chyler started shooting competitively in 2017. She’s medalled at the 2018 Manitoba Winter Games, 2018 nationals, and Youth and Masters Pan Am Championships, and has represented Canada at two youth world championships.
Ryder is also bringing home two medals from the Games – a gold in recurve individual male, and a silver in recurve team mix.
Ryder has been competing for four years, and one of his original goals was to make the Canada Games team. He’s a member of the national development squad, and his big goals are to travel the world and shoot at international competitions.
“I was surprised I got picked as the flagbearer. I didn’t think they’d pick an archer, so that felt really good. And I’m happy to represent my province at the closing ceremony,” said Ryder.
“It was an amazing surprise, and it’s a great opportunity that I never thought I would have. It’s very exciting to be able to do this,” said Chyler.
