U of C athletes shine at Beijing Olympics with medal wins in wrestling and rowing

Two of Canada’s 17 medals earned at the 2008 Summer Olympics so far have been captured by the contingent of 20 athletes based at the University of Calgary.

Canada’s first gold medal of the Beijing games went to U of C Wrestling Club member Carol Huynh, who excelled in the women’s 48-kg category and made it to the top of the podium on Saturday, Aug. 16.

That was followed on Sunday by U of C alumna Tracy Cameron and her partner Melanie Kok winning bronze in the women’s lightweight double sculls rowing contest.

Meanwhile, U of C Dinos athletes Mike Brown and Jessica Zelinka have turned in outstanding performances in the pool and on the track, respectively. Brown, who is the Canadian record holder for the 200-metre backstroke, finished fourth in the men’s 200-metre backstroke. Zelinka finish sixth in the women’s heptathlon, setting a new Canadian record in the process.

Of the 330 Canadian athletes competing at the games, 20 are current or former U of C students and/or spend much of their training time on campus. In addition, one alumna is competing in triathlon for the Netherlands.

Full list of the U of C’s Olympic team.