The entire Yukon is basking in the glow of Alexandra Gabor’s stunning medal-winning swims at the Canada Summer Games in PEI this week.
And so it should.
It takes a community to raise a gold medallist. And rarely is it such a small place.
Of course, like all elite athletes, Gabor is hardwired to compete, and her medal-winning performance is a testament to her dedication and skill. And her nerve (it takes a lot not to psych yourself out at such
events).
But the medal-winning performances also reflect the talent of Glacier Bears coach Marek Poplawski, the support of the club and the calibre of the city’s Canada Games Centre.
This week, it all came together in a historic win for the territory at the nation’s premier sports event.
The accomplishment cannot be overstated.
Gabor and the Glacier Bears club, all of whom have excelled at the Games, beat swimmers from Montreal, Vancouver, Toronto, Quebec City and every other major city in the country.
The wins were logged by a swimmer from a remote jurisdiction smaller than most Canadian subdivisions.
That’s astounding, and the entire territory has a right to be proud.
It has produced world-class skiers, cyclists and now swimmers.
It makes one wonder, what’s next?
Her wins this week will serve as the latest inspiration for the next generation of Yukon athletes, who can look to her and be reminded that, despite its size, the territory can hold its own against the best in the
country.
That will be Gabor and Poplawski’s greatest legacy. (Richard Mostyn)