Watch party held for Strathmore Olympian

By Lorenzo Gavilan Vargas Times Reporter

The Town of Strathmore held a watch party for the Summer Olympics women’s double sculls rowing event at the municipal building on July 27, also known as Jessica Sevick Day.

Town residents attended the building to watch hometown hero Jessica Sevick and her partner Gabrielle Smith in their quest for the podium. Sevick and Smith were the first Canadians to reach a rowing final at the Tokyo Games. 

Team Canada did not finish with a medal, with Sevick and Smith finishing 6th in the race, however Mayor Pat Fule says it is still a great achievement.

“We know how important it is for her and her family and this is a great showing to be in the top 6 in the world,” said Fule.

Ancuta Bodnar and Simona Radis of Romania dominated the race, setting an Olympic record on their way to gold. New Zealand claimed silver and the Netherlands claimed bronze in a tight race for second.

Medal or not, Sevick is still an inspiration to young athletes. 

“I’ll be asking our council to direct administration to examine the idea of purchasing some rowing equipment,” said Fule. “Maybe there’s someone, a girl who’s going to be inspired by Jessica and wants to get into rowing.”