4 August 2012
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today congratulated Rosie MacLennan on her gold medal in women’s trampoline, Ryan Cochrane on his silver medal in the 1,500 freestyle swim, and the women’s track cycling team on its bronze medal in the team pursuit. Ms. MacLennan's gold medal is Canada’s first at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, and the first for Canada in women’s trampoline.
“Canadians everywhere were kept on the edge of their seats today, as our Olympic athletes gave us one spectacular performance after another. We cheered as trampolinist Rosie MacLennan secured Canada’s first gold medal at the London Games, and as Ryan Cochrane and the women’s track cycling team won silver and bronze medals in the 1,500 meter freestyle swim and team pursuit, respectively”, said the Prime Minister. “Congratulations to these great athletes as their unwavering commitment, drive and determination have taken them all the way to the Olympic podium.”
Rosie MacLennan was born in King City, Ontario, and currently resides in Toronto, Ontario. This is Ms MacLennan's second consecutive Olympic Games, and her first Olympic medal. Ms MacLennan has previously won a silver medal at the 2011 World Championships, a gold medal at the 2011 Pan American Games, and is a three time national champion having won the title in 2005, 2009 and 2011.
Ryan Cochrane was born in Victoria, British Columbia, where he also currently resides. This is Mr. Cochrane’s second appearance and second medal at the Olympic Games, having won the bronze medal in the 1,500 freestyle at the 2008 Beijing Games. Mr. Cochrane also won a silver medal in the 1,500 freestyle at the 2011 World Championships in Shanghai.
The women’s track cycling team trains out of Los Angeles, California. Its members are Tara Whitten, Gillian Carleton and Jasmin Glaesser. This is the first Olympics for the three team members, who won a bronze medal in the team pursuit event at the 2012 World Championships in Melbourne.
The 2012 Summer Olympic Games are being held from July 27 to August 12 in London, United Kingdom. Canada is being represented by more than 275 athletes who are competing in a 26 sport program scheduled around London. More than 10,500 athletes, coaches and team officials from at least 200 countries are participating in these Summer Olympic Games.
