 | The 2012 Canadian Olympic Team’s medal count soared Tuesday in London, adding three bronze medals in Diving, Judo and Weightlifting, Bringing their total to four medals won, after four days of competition at the 2012 London Olympics. | |
London - August 1, 2012 - The 2012 Canadian Olympic Team’s medal count soared Tuesday in London, adding three bronze medals to bring the total to four.
Montreal’s Meaghan Benfeito and Laval, Que.’s Roseline Filion earned bronze in the 10m synchro Diving competition.
“We were in synch. We grew up together at the pool. We learned how to work together,” said Roseline Filion. “As we got older, we really learned to appreciate and develop our personalities and we are much more mature. We knew what we had to work on in life and at the pool. I couldn’t ask for a better partner.”
“This medal means so much. We came here with no regrets. We did everything we could. We were ready! There's really nothing we could do differently", said Benfeito.
Antoine Valois-Fortier, 22, delivered bronze in the -81kg Judo class. It is the best-ever result for Canada in this category. The Quebec City native defeated Travis Stevens of the U.S. for the podium victory. He joins Judo legends Doug Rogers and Nicolas Gill as Canada’s Olympic Judo medalists.
“I’m excited about my performance. I had a tough draw with a high calibre of opponent,” said Valois-Fortier. “I was not one of the favourites here, so I think I surprised some people. (Coach) Nicolas Gill and I had a game plan for every match and I executed it.”
Weightlifter Christine Girard (Rouyn-Noranda, Que.) rounded out the Canadian medal haul, collecting Canada’s fourth bronze medal of the London 2012 Games on Tuesday. In the 63kg weight class, Girard lifted 236 kg total to secure the medal. With her performance in London, she becomes the first Canadian woman to win a medal in Weightlifting.
“I’m so happy to win a medal here today,” said Girard. “When my coaches told me I was really on the podium, it was indescribable. It’s the best day of my life, for sure!”
“What a day for the Canadian Olympic Team!” said 2012 Canadian Olympic Team Chef de Mission Mark Tewksbury. “I am so proud of Roseline and Meaghan, Antoine and Christine. They have given their everything and it has paid off with a place on the Olympic podium”
“Three medals in one day is such an achievement,” said 2012 Canadian Olympic Team Assistant Chef de Mission Sylvie Bernier. “This will generate much excitement in the Olympic Village and I am sure will inspire all of the athletes on the Canadian Olympic Team in the days to come."
“Canadian athletes match up with anyone in the world,” said Canadian Olympic Committee President Marcel Aubut. “Roseline and Meaghan, Antoine and Christine have worked so hard to achieve their Olympic dreams and they are reaping the rewards today.”
The women’s Artistic Gymnastics team earned the best ever Olympic result for a Canadian gymnastics team, finishing 5th.
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