2 weeks Ago By By Matt Packwood
Leyton Gouldie’s performance at the International Racquetball Federation Pan American championships was another memorable milestone in his young career. Read this article for free: Already have an account? As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. Now, more than ever, we need your support.
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Leyton Gouldie’s performance at the International Racquetball Federation Pan American championships was another memorable milestone in his young career. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? Leyton Gouldie’s performance at the International Racquetball Federation Pan American championships was another memorable milestone in his young career. In just his first time as a member of the senior national team, the Brandon product delivered in a big way – bringing home a silver medal and continuing to build on an already impressive year.
Gouldie, 19, competed in the men’s open division, and due to his age, the U21 division as well, finishing runner-up in the younger age division of the Pan Am championships in Guatemala City. Leyton Gouldie steadies for a forehand shot at the International Racquetball Federation Pan Am Championships this past weekend. (Racquetball Canada / PhotoSportGT) Gouldie dropped a very close final 11-9, 11-6, 11-8 to Jaime Nicolas Mansilla Cid of Chile in the U21 final.
“As athletes, you always want to win. Was I disappointed to not win that final, of course, but at the same time I was fairly happy with how I played,” said Gouldie. Mansilla Cid is nearly three years older than Gouldie, meaning the chance to get revenge in the U21 division may not happen, but they’ll likely meet again, and likely many more times down the road in more international competition.
“It’s nice to know that I was right in that match, and a couple of shots go a little different and all of a sudden it’s a completely different game, but that’s the way it goes. At the end of the day if you told me I’d be coming home with a silver medal I guess I’d be pumped,” Gouldie said While the event didn’t end the way he would have hoped, if you told him a year ago he’d even be in this position he likely would have had a hard time believing you. “I was definitely happy with how I played.
The open division includes some of the best players in the world, but it was really good to be on the court with players at that level,” said Gouldie. “To look back where I was a year or two ago and here I am representing Canada on the international stage is super cool. Going into the year I wouldn’t have expected to do this well, but I’m glad to have played well enough to give myself the opportunity to do it and it’s been a great experience overall.
” Gouldie competed in the two open divisions while Brandon’s Kurtis Cullen competed in the men’s open division and the men’s doubles with Trevor Webb of Kitchener, Ont. Leyton Gouldie competed in both the men's open and U21 divisions at the Internatiolnal Racquetball Federation Pan Am Championships in Guatemala City this past weekend. (Racquetball Canada/PhotoSportGT) Cullen and Webb lost all three of their round robin matches before dropping a single elimination playoff match to Jose Caceres and Juan Salvatierra of Guatemala 11-9, 5-11, 11-9, 14-16, 12-10.
Cullen not only competed for Team Canada but also served as Gouldie’s coach, adding another big benefit in Gouldie’s favour. “He coached me through most of the week while also playing so it was nice to have that familiarity in a foreign country. He played great all weekend too.
It was truly great to see him competing on the same stage,” Gouldie added. The two have grown a lot through the sport in the last few years, and it appears Gouldie is only just scratching the surface. Starting the year on the junior national development team to where he is now has been impressive, but only opening new doors and experiences as he continues to climb the ranks with increased international competition.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” said Gouldie. “I wouldn’t have predicted it this way, but I’m enjoying it.” Up next will be another big weekend and in a familiar facility.
The Manitoba provincial championships are next weekend at the University of Manitoba, in which he’ll be playing doubles with his little brother, Oren. Leyton Gouldie and coach Kurtis Cullen, also of Brandon, discuss and reflect during a break in action at the Pan Am Championships. (Racquetball Canada/PhotoSportGT) The younger brother is another rising star in the sport, but for now the older brother is just thrilled to have the chance to play with his younger sibling.
It’s then just a few short weeks to quickly regroup and focus on Racquetball Canada national championships in Burlington, Ont. from May 18-24. Canada’s top-ranked player Sam Murray of Saint-Huebert, Que.
finished third in the men’s singles division of the Pan Am championships, while Ofelia Wilscam of Repentigny, Que. won the women’s under 21 division. » mpackwood@brandonsun.
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