IqaluitSA国际影视传媒檚 Akutaq Williamson Bathory was one of the first Nunavummiut gold medallists at the 2023 Arctic Winter Games, earning the top ulu for her run in the short-track speed skating 500m.
SA国际影视传媒淚SA国际影视传媒檓 feeling so uplifted from all the support and love ISA国际影视传媒檓 getting from my family, friends, community and even from England, family from England,SA国际影视传媒� said the 17-year-old, who competed in the Individual 2004 - 2008 Female category. SA国际影视传媒淚 feel so honoured to be representing Nunavut. This isnSA国际影视传媒檛 only a medal for me, itSA国际影视传媒檚 a medal for everyone thatSA国际影视传媒檚 gotten me to where I am, so I feel absolutely amazing.SA国际影视传媒�
She came out on top over Team NTSA国际影视传媒檚 Erika Pollard and Rebecca Messier.
SA国际影视传媒淚 was super nervous,SA国际影视传媒� said Williamson Bathory. SA国际影视传媒淭he previous distance I had gotten disqualified, so I was nervous that would happen again. But my goal was to just get to the start, and just keep pushing forward. And my last corner I had almost slipped, so I was really nervous there, but I got right to the finish line and looked right at all my supporters on the side and it was amazing to see them all there for me.SA国际影视传媒�
This is her second Arctic Winter Games SA国际影视传媒� it would have been her third if not for the pandemic. Williamson Bathory has also competed in the Canada Games.
She said she has been enjoying the Games, and she lost her voice on opening ceremonies night from cheering so much.
SA国际影视传媒淎rctic Winter Games is just an overall amazing experience for youth and children within the community to just come and watch these beautiful athletes perform and bring some inspiration back to our communities,SA国际影视传媒� she said.
The youth was looking forward to her upcoming races in the week and gives a message of perseverance.
SA国际影视传媒淚 know Covid was a tough time, especially for sports, where itSA国际影视传媒檚 like you need to be in person,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淚t was difficult for me too to continue pushing, but to be here and to see what you can accomplish is absolutely amazing. Little steps add up to big things. I believe in you all.SA国际影视传媒�
Nunavut starts taking home medals
Dene games and speed skating opened the medal results for Team Nunavut Jan. 30, with bronzes for Lloyd Willie in open male stick pull, Meliya Allain in girls short track speed skating 1000m and Igimaq Williamson Bathory in the boys competition.
The next day, Akutaq Williamson Bathory earned her gold in the 500m short track speed skate, while Lloyd Willie took another ulu home with gold in the open male snow snake. Horizon Willie also earned a bronze in the junior female snow snake.
On Feb. 1, the floodgates opened further, with Qajaaq Ittinuar taking home silver in the boys arm pull and Team Nunavut winning silver in both male and female Dene games.
As of press time, Team NunavutSA国际影视传媒檚 U19 hockey squad was headed into semi-final play against Team Northwest Territories, whom they were tied in records with at 3-0-1 and had just beaten the evening before. Team Alberta North was also tied in that top heat, sitting at 3-0-1 as of Wednesday, Feb. 1
On the junior boys side, Team Nunavut was headed into semifinal play against Team Alberta North, whom they had beat 4-2 earlier in the tournament. Leading the U16 male division going into semifinals was Team NT with a 4-0 record, coming off a win over Team Nunavut 6-5 Wednesday, Feb. 1.
The women, on the other hand, were 0-4 after initial action, being outscored 36-5 in the process. Team Alberta North led their division with a 4-0 record.
Team NunavutSA国际影视传媒檚 curling squads were taking some lumps, with both sitting at 0-4 after preliminary play.
Midway through the Games, Nunavut sat at nine medals in last, with Yukon leading the way at 80.
