WINNIPEG (April 9, 2023) – Although Team Canada is coming home from the Pan Am Championships without a podium finish, the team has much to be proud of, especially considering the adjustments they needed to make after an injury to Sam Murray caused him to withdraw from the tournament. Murray, who is Canada’s top seeded male athlete, was also the defending Pan Am Champion in men’s doubles, winning gold in 2022 with Coby Iwaasa.
In an extremely competitive tournament, Canada’s athletes fought hard in every match to earn spots for Team Canada at the upcoming Pan Am Games, with many matches going to tie-breakers with close results.
Because Murray’s injury occurred during the preliminary round, Iwaasa and Trevor Webb were able to take on additional assignments, with Iwaasa replacing Murray in the men’s singles draw. Webb replaced Murray in the men’s double draw, teaming up with Iwaasa.
Iwaasa and Webb had the highest place finish for Canada, placing 6th in Men’s Open Doubles. Webb also finished 8th in Men’s Open Singles and Iwaasa finished 9th.
In Mixed Open Doubles, Iwaasa teamed up with Danielle Ramsay to finish in 9th place. In Women’s Open Doubles, Ramsay and Michèle Morissette also finished 9th.
Juliette Parent and Morissette finished 17th and 18th respectively in Women’s Open Singles.
The placements earned by Team Canada will impact the number of spots that Canada will qualify for at the Santiago 2023 Pan Am Games. The International Racquetball Federation will make an official announcement about qualifications in the coming weeks.
Racquetball Canada appreciates the commitment of the athletes and the team support staff in representing Canada at the Pan Am Championships.
Click here to view the complete tournament results.
About Racquetball Canada
Racquetball Canada is the National Sport Organization for the sport of racquetball. As a member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, our mission is to coordinate, govern and encourage the advancement of racquetball from the grassroots to the elite level across Canada. Our vision is to be a visible, vibrant sport enjoyed coast to coast by Canadians of all ages and abilities. Join our community.
For more information contact:
Jan Hanson
Communications, Diversity & Safe Sport Director
Racquetball Canada
communications@racquetballcanada.ca I 306.502.4422