8 August 2012
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today congratulated Adam van Koeverden on his silver medal in the men's 1000-metre kayak single, Mark Oldershaw on his bronze medal in the men’s 1000-metre canoe single, and Carol Huynh on her bronze medal in women’s wrestling (48 kg).
“Canada’s athletes have achieved greatness in a wide range of events and sports at this year’s Summer Olympic Games in London,” said the Prime Minister. “From kayaking, to canoeing, to wrestling, Mr. van Koeverden, Mr. Oldershaw, and Ms. Huynh proved today that they are at the top of their games and among the best in the world in their respective sports.”
Adam van Koeverden was born in Oakville, Ontario, and currently resides in Toronto, Ontario. He has participated in three consecutive Olympic Games, and has won four career Olympic medals. He was Canada’s flag bearer at the Opening Ceremonies of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, where he won a silver medal in the K-1 500 metres. Four years earlier in Athens, Mr. van Koeverden captured gold in that event as well as bronze in the K-1 1,000 metres. He has won 21 World Cup gold medals.
Mark Oldershaw, of Burlington, Ontario, has competed in two consecutive Olympic Games, and this is his first Olympic medal. A third generation Olympian, Mr. Oldershaw qualified for this year’s Games after winning gold at a World Cup canoe and kayak competition in May of 2012.
Carol Huynh was born in Hazelton, British Columbia, and currently resides in Calgary, Alberta. This is her second Olympic Games, and second Olympic medal, having won an Olympic gold medal in women's wrestling (48 kg division) at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. An 11-time national champion, Ms. Huynh also won the 2011 Pan American Games gold medal.
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.
