Marcus Bartier and Caitlyn Riddle each experienced the feeling of winning a medal at the Penticton 2016 BC Winter Games.
Bartier of Penticton captured gold in intermediate boys kata, while Riddle of Summerland earned silver in intermediate kumite, 44-55 kilogram category. Both also represented the Taneda Karate Dojo.
“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 team earning bronze in team kumite and kata. When Bartier heard the result that his zone 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.”
Riddle experienced some ups and downs. When results didn’t end in her favour, emotions got her as she wiped tears from her eyes.
“It was pretty tough. I was supped to win it and I didn’t,” she said.
Riddle felt excited and nervous on Sunday morning as she competed for gold in kumite. She admits to initially feeling disappointed about finishing second. She received positive words form 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.
