Penticton’s Marcus Bartier had a golden performance in the intermediate kata at the Penticton 2016 BC Winter Games.
Bartier, a member of the Taneda Karate Dojo and Thompson-Okanagan zone, shone in that category.
“I was just overwhelmed with joy,” said Bartier of his result. “The person I was facing for gold is a great friend of mine. I still felt sorry for him.”
Bartier also contributed to the Thompson-Okanagan earning bronze in team kumite and kata. When Bartier heard his team took third in kata, he raised his arms to the air.
“It feels great,” said Bartier, who competed in the fights for the finals. “I think I did really good. I performed to the best of my ability.”
Bartier also enjoyed the weekend for the time spent with his friends and said the athletes representing other zones were very good.
“I’m sad that it’s over,” said Bartier. “It was really fun.”
Summerland’s Caitlyn Riddle, also of the Taneda Karate Dojo, experienced highs and lows. After some results didn’t end in her favour, emotions got the best of her as she wiped tears from her eyes following some losses.
“It was pretty tough. I was supped to win it and I didn’t,” she said.
Riddle was excited and nervous on Sunday morning as she competed for gold in kumite in the 44 to 55-kilogram category. She admits to initially being disappointed about second. However, she received positive words from her coach and others saying they felt she fought well.
“Silver isn’t bad. It’s just a big learning experience,” she said. “I feel I performed really good. Lots of people came congratulated me. I think I did real good.”
Riddle also received a bronze medal in team kata and kumite.
Thompson-Okanagan junior coach Declan Riddle was named the best junior coach from the weekend. He was selected by the other coaches at the Games.
“Declan has been amazing. He has kept all of the kids organized, he’s encouraging, he works so hard,” said Thompson-Okanagan karate coach Michelle Cowan. “He’s been doing everything to help me and the other coach. It went noticed by a lot of other coaches. He’s had a really good influence on the kids.”
“I was totally unexpected of it. I was just running around helping kids,” said Riddle, adding its a pleasant surprise. “I’m super happy that I got it because the whole weekend I have been helping out. It is a really nice thing to receive some recognition. I have helped the kids and mentored them as much
as I could.”