The Pan America Games continues to be Drew Ross’ happy hunting ground and the star Canadian water-skier won his third gold medal in a row when he topped the men’s slalom event with a score of 38.
The conditions were difficult and the field was as tough as it could be. But nothing could really hold back Ross and the veteran skier said his final Pan America Games script could not have been better.
Ross said
I had the top seed coming into this competition but conditions have been pretty challenging. It feels pretty awesome. I may not ski for Canada too many more times as I’m 37 years old, so this is pretty special.
With Ross pocketing the gold, Colombian Jose Mesa (37.50) finished with the silver while Felipe Miranda (36.50) of Chile bagged the bronze.
The gold in the women’s slalom event too went to a Canadian. Whitney McClintock of Ontario won the title with a score of 38.50, way ahead of Regina Jaquess (32.50) of the United States and another American Mandy Nightingale (32).
Elated with her show, McClintock later said
I was going in knowing that the world champion was on the dock behind me. I knew I had to put in a big score.
When I was finished, I didn’t think that my score was big enough. I can’t believe this is true.
Canada is expecting to create ripple in the pool and reap a rich harvest in the event. They are banking heavily on eight-time world champion Jaret Llewellyn to win multiple golds while McClintock too is expected to repeat her golden show in women’s jump and tricks events.
