What Kingston-connected athletes have done by 2:30 p.m. on the first day of the XVII Pan American games, in and around Toronto:
Brittany Benn—With former Queen’s varsity player Nadia Popov, was part of the Canadian women’s rugby team that won its first two games, 55-0 over Colombia and 60-0 over Mexico. Benn had one try against the Colombians, against whom Canada scored 31 points in the first half, and Popov scored one against Mexico, which trailed 38-0 at the break. The women resume preliminary round play at 5:55 p.m. against Brazil at BMO field, on the grounds of the Canadian National Exhibition.
Will Crothers—Was in the bow seat for the Canadian men’s four that won its heat in the rowing competition in St. Catharines. Crothers, Tim Schrijver of St. Catharines, Kal Langerfield of Parksville, B.C., and stroke Conlin McCabe of Brockville took the lead in the second 500 metres and finished the 2,000-metre race in six minutes, 18.01 seconds, with a nine-second margin of victory over Argentina. The Canadian crew now goes directly to the final on Monday morning.
Rob Gibson—Was second in the fast heat of the men’s single at the rowing competition in St. Catharines, and advanced to a repechage this afternoon at 2:55. Third at the first 500 metres, Gibson moved into second place by the mid-way point in the race and was just 2.29 seconds behind the leader with 500 metres to go. Ultimately American Yohann Riggone pulled ahead to win in 7 minutes 6.78 seconds, 15.99 seconds faster than Gibson., who was four and a half seconds faster than Eduardo Linares of Peru, who finished third. Angel Fournier of Cuba won the other heat in 7:11.74. Gibson’s time, 7:22.77, was the fifth fastest in the heats, overall.
Mike Mullins—Former Queen’s varsity player scored two tries as Canada won its first preliminary game in the men’s rugby tournament, 45-0 over Guyana. The Canadians, who led 26-0 at halftime, will play Brazil at 5:11 p.m. at BMO field, on the grounds of the Canadian National Exhibition.