Fourteen-year-old from Wilcox, Sask. is first member of Para-National Badminton team

Wyatt Lightfoot is a young athlete who was very successful on the national stage this summer.

Competing at the World Dwarf Games held at the University of Guelph, Lightfoot competed in badminton, floor hockey, soccer, volleyball, basketball, swimming and track and field. The 14-year-old from Wilcox won seven medals: four gold, two silver and one bronze. Lightfoot says he also made a lot of friends.

“From 2013 you got to see everyone, because that was my first time at the World Dwarf Games, in 2013 in Michigan. I got to meet a bunch of people from around the world, and now it is just fun to catch up with them,” Lightfoot said.

Lightfoot loves taking part in numerous sports to mix it up and keep things fresh, but badminton is where his focus is.

Lightfoot is hoping to represent Canada at the 2020 Para-Olympics in Tokyo, after recently signing a contract with Badminton Canada as the first para-national badminton team member.

His coach, Frank Gaudet, at Cross Court Badminton, feels this young star can be there in a little less than 3 years.

“At the end of September is when we will find out what the disciplines are at the Para-Olympics”, Gaudet said.

“If short stature is one of them, then our goal is to work hard towards Tokyo”.