Saskatchewan has a proud history of sending athletes to the Summer Olympics. In 2008 the province sent 14 athletes to Beijing, at the Athens games in ’04 Saskatchewan sent seven athletes and in 2000 10 athletes participated in the games in Sydney.
The first Olympian to ever medal from Saskatchewan was Earl Thomson from Birch Hills. Thompson earned a gold medal in the 100m hurdles in 1920.
Canadian women’s hockey star and Shaunavon native Haley Wickenheiser wore the Maple Leaf at the 2000 games in Sydney as part of the women’s softball team.
Here is a list of the seven Saskatchewan athletes that will be representing Canada at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, England.
Brianne Theisen (Humboldt) – Heptathalon
The Humboldt native and Humboldt Collegiate Institute grad was the Canadian heptathalon champion in 2009 and represented Canada at the junior Pan Am Games in 2006.
Theisen attended the University of Oregon where she is a two-time NCAA indoor track champion.
The first day that Theisen competes in London is on August 9th. You can follow Brianne Theisen on Twitter here.
Krista Phillips (Saskatoon) – Basketball
Saskatoon native Krista Phillips is a centre with the women’s national basketball team. The Aden Bowman collegiate grad is a two-time member of Canada’s junior basketball program and led Team Saskatchewan to a fifth place finish in the 2005 Canada Summer Games.
While at the University of Michigan Phillips became one of only six women to record 100+ blocks in a season.
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Canada’s women’s basketball team plays their first game on July 28th. You can follow Krista Phillips on Twitter here.
Rachelle Viinberg (Regina) – Rowing
The Regina resident is no stranger to the Olympics – this will be the third time that Viinberg has worn the Maple Leaf. She finished 8th in the woman’s quad sculls in 2008.
Viinberg has competed in 6 world championships winning back to back silver medals in the women’s eight in 2010 and 2011.
Viinberg first event in London will be on July 28th. You can follow Viinberg on Twitter here.
Cory Niefer (Saskatoon) – Air Rifle
Saskatoon native Cory Neifer started shooting at the age of 12 when he was a member of the Yorkton cadet Corps. Niefer has been the national shooting champion for over a decade.
This will be Niefer’s second time at the Olympics – in 2008 he served as the coach of the Canadian shooting team.
Niefer’s first day of competition in London will be on July 28th.
Kaylyn Kyle (Saskatoon) – Soccer
Saskatoon native Kaylyn Kyle has suited up for Canada 54 times in her soccer career. Scoring four goals and adding four assists, Kyle was instrumental in helping Canada qualify for the 2011 Women’s World Cup where she started in all 3 matches for the team.
Kyle is a University of Saskatchewan grad and played on the Huskies soccer team from 2006-2010.
Canada’s women’s soccer team plays their first game in London on July 25th. You can follow Kyle on twitter here.
Kelly Parker (Regina) – Soccer
Regina native Kelly Parker has represented Canada 15 times on the national stage, though this will be his first time representing Canada at the Olympic games.
Parker is a University of Texas-El Paso grad and has twice earned all-conference honours.
Canada’s women’s soccer team plays their first game on July 25th.
Reuben Ross (Pilot Butte) – Diving
The Pilot Butte native started his diving career in Regina at the Regina Diving Club. At the age of 16 he moved to Edmonton to pursue his diving career, and has since competed for Canada at the ’08 Olympics in the 3M and 10M platform events.
Ross attended the University of Miami and competed on the school’s diving team.
Ross will compete in his diving event on July 30. You can follow Ross on twitter here.
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