Isaac St. Cyr did South Delta proud on the national pickleball stage last month.
St. Cyr was in Regina competing for the third year in a row at the 2023 Pickleball Canada National Championship.
“This was the first year I committed to playing in every possible event - five events in five days,” he said. “Boy, did it take a toll on my body! At 31, I am no longer a young buck, but have no regrets and will attend nationals again in Nova Scotia next year.”
St. Cyr said he had phenomenal playing partners including Meghan Kemp-Gee from North Vancouver in mixed doubles, and Ashton Bradley from New Brunswick in men’s doubles.
On the fourth day, after eight grueling matches in 4.0 singles, St. Cyr found myself just three points from qualifying for the gold medal match - 9-11, 11-5, and tied 8-8 in the deciding game.
“My poor body was unable to push through, and I managed to limp away with a bronze medal. I pushed myself to the absolute limit,” he recalled.
The last day was 4.0 mixed doubles.
“Unfortunately, my partner Meghan pulled her hamstring during a singles game two days before,” he said. “Going into our draw, we knew it would be a long day, as her mobility was quite limited, however, we managed to push through and make it all the way to the semifinals before placing fourth, just one win shy of the podium. I couldn’t ask for anything more. I am so proud of Meghan for pushing through all that pain and suffering just for the silly game of pickleball.
“All in all, it was a magical experience. I was just one of more than 600 athletes competing over five grueling days, thrilled to earn our medals, and even more thrilled to rub shoulders with the greats.”
B.C. came home with 23 golds, 25 silvers, and 17 bronzes.
