Team Saskatchewan earns first three gold medals at Canada Winter Games

Saskatchewan has won its first three gold medals of the 2023 Canada Winter Games.

After winning a total of nine medals up until Friday — five silver and four bronze — Team Sask got first-place finishes from Jordan Carroll of Saskatoon in the men’s pommel horse, Luca Veeman of Saskatoon in the men’s speed skating mass start event, and Saskatoon’s Rylee Miller in the women’s floor exercise.

Carroll’s gold came with a bit of history attached to it: It’s the first ever for the province in the event.

“That’s really exciting. When I heard that, I was stoked, like super-excited,” Carroll, who found out about the history of his feat 10 minutes after his routine, said from Prince Edward Island.

“I couldn’t stop smiling I was so happy. It was really exciting from the moment I finished my routine. It was great.”

His phone was also blowing up with messages.

“I got a ton of texts from my dad and my sister and I got phone calls; my mom called me as well. They’re all happy,” he added.

But before Carroll could enjoy those moments of excitement and joy, there were some nerves as one more competitor was left before everything became official.

“I was pretty nervous because he’s a pretty good gymnast. But I was already happy; I knew I was going to get a medal. The gold was just an extra boost,” Carroll said.

Even though there were some tense moments before and after his routine, Carroll said he made sure he was prepared before he competed.

“I kind of just go through the routine in my head over and over, and I actually sometimes watch videos of me doing it in the past to remind myself that I can do it and it’s fine,” he said.

This was the final event for Carroll at the Games and he’s looking forward to watching the women’s final and supporting Team Saskatchewan.

Overall, he’s just excited to be leaving with a medal and enjoyed his experience in P.E.I.

“I’ve been happy the whole time. There’s been no downs. It seems like it’s all ups,” Carroll said.

Veeman added to the gold-medal haul later in the day.

“I knew I had a shot at a medal and a shot at the gold, but you have to play your cards right in the mass start. Anything can happen from crashes to just being unlucky, but crossing the finish line in first was such a great feeling,” Veeman said.

It was his second medal of the day after capturing bronze in the 1,000-metre race.

The mass start was the final event for Veeman at the Games. He finished with five total medals: One gold, two silver and two bronze.

“I never would’ve imagined going into these Games to be in the position I’m in now. I knew I had a shot at medals in a few races, but it’s almost unbelievable for myself how well all the races went. (It’s) something you can only hope for,” he added.

Veeman, who also participated in the Summer Games this past year, said the Winter Games will hold a special place in his heart.

“I’ve loved every second of both games. P.E.I. I think win on the ceremony a little, by a smidge. The opening ceremony was pretty sweet and being flagbearer has made the Games even more special. And then bringing home medals, it’s hard to beat that feeling,” Veeman said.

That wasn’t it for medals for Team Sask on Friday. Miller also collected a silver in beam and a bronze in the uneven bars.