A Westlock teen scored a pair of medals at the 2018 Alberta Summer Games, which ran July 19-22 in Grande Prairie.
Noah Michalczuk, 14, claimed a silver medal in the long jump and bronze in the high jump while finishing just off the medal podium in the triple jump.
Michalczuk’s score for the long jump was 5.25 metres while gold medalist posted a 5.9 metre jump.
In the high jump he finished at a height of 1.6 metres, just short of the winner who cleared 1.7 metres.
“It’s a really good experience and it was a lot of fun,” said Michalczuk. “I got to meet new people.”
While many other athletes had their coaches with them and were professionally trained, Michalczuk was all by himself.
“It’s not what I’m used to. What I’m used to is competing with people who are good at the sport but who don’t have any professional training.”
When he isn’t preparing for track and field competitions with his high school gym coach Leanne Huppertz, Michalczuk plays volleyball.
“It’s so I can jump higher, so that helps,” he said.
Although Michalczuk doesn’t plan on participating in the Olympics, he hopes to continue competing on at such a high level.
“These three events are usually the ones I do good in,” he said. “I might go to nationals, if I do go professional. That’s the highest I would probably go.”
Before the Games, Michalczuk competed at this level only once before at the Alberta Winter Games, where he was part of a ski club.
“I also want to give a shout out to my parents and family for always being there for me,” he added.
“Alberta Sport Connection (ASC) is proud to support, encourage and develop young athletes through events like the Alberta Games,” said Kelly Blackshaw, who is the vice-chair of ASC.
“These games were everything we thought they’d be; a terrific example of community involvement and commitment and the athletic competition was as impressive as the level of sportsmanship. We are so pleased with the exceptional job the city and County of Grande Prairie has done. These games help reinforce the role that sport plays in enhancing the quality of life in our province.”
The Alberta Summer Games will be held again in Lethbridge in 2020.
