Saskatchewan Olympians and Paralympians met with young kids to sign autographs and share some advice in Saskatoon on Sept. 28, 2024. (Will Mandzuk/650CKOM)

Sask. Olympians, Paralympians make a splash with young fans in Saskatoon

By Craig Silliphant Sep 28, 2024 | 3:35 PM

Saskatchewan Olympians and Paralympians made their splash in the pool in Paris and are now adjusting back to regular daily life.

Pike Lake’s Rylan Wiens, who won a bronze medal with his diving partner Nathan Zsombor-Murray in the 10-metre synchronized diving event, said that adjustment has been difficult.

Wiens was one of the province’s aquatic athletes at Saskatoon’s Shaw Centre on Saturday meeting young swimmers. Other athletes at the event included diver Margo Erlam, artistic swimmer Sydney Carroll and Paralympic swimmer Shelby Newkirk.

“This is the first time coming back to the pool since I’ve been home,” said Wiens. “It’s definitely different just going to full time classes.”

Wiens is studying kinesiology at the University of Saskatchewan, where he is getting recognized walking down the halls.

“I got recognized a couple times around campus,” said Wiens. “All my friends are always bugging me about getting photos with people.”

Wiens said he still hasn’t had the opportunity to show off his medal to his friends.

“Every time I see them I’ve been at class and I don’t want to bring it to university and lose it,” said Wiens. “I’m setting up a day where everyone gets to see it.”

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On Saturday, young fans got to seek his autograph and ask questions. Wiens said he enjoyed seeing their smiles.

For 10 -year-old diver Beckett Adams, meeting and talking with Wiens was a great opportunity.

He even shared what their conversation was about.

“Mostly just how I’ve gotten into a better group now,” said Adams. “I’m getting better and better at diving and how I understand it a lot more now.”

Adams gets to see a lot of the athletes at the meet and greet event when he trains.

“It’s fun being able to talk to them every day and being able to see them every day,” said Adams. “and getting to know what it’s like getting to go to the Olympics.”

Croc signed by Olympic diver Margo Erlam. (Will Mandzuk/650CKOM)

Lots of kids walked away with autographs, one kid even got his Croc shoes signed.

Diver Jane Lafreniere, 11, was “super excited” to meet all the athletes.

“It was my first time meeting them and I was really excited for them that they made it to the Olympics,” said Lafreniere.

It was also a boost to motivation for the young athletes.

“Seeing Rylan (Wiens) get a medal, that was very motivational,” said Heidi Beck, a 12-year-old diver.

Beck even shared some advice she received.

“Always listen to your coach and make sure you get those dives and corrections, and some day you’ll get there,” said Beck.

Paralympic bronze medallist in the 100-m S6 backstroke, Shelby Newkirk, also had some great advice for the kids.

“I always say dream big and smile bigger,” said Newkirk. “It’s important to not set limits on yourself and really know that anything’s possible, and to also make sure you have fun while doing it.”

Newkirk said competing in the Paralympics was a surreal moment that she’ll remember forever.

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