‘Being able to compete was just really incredible’: Four Medicine Hat Judo Club athletes snag medals at Alberta Winter Games

Athletes at the Alberta Winter Games don’t always get a second chance to claim a gold medal. For Jack McAlpine of Redcliff, he took full advantage of that opportunity.

He was happy to claim gold this time around after taking home silver in judo when he competed at the last games.

McAlpine said it wasn’t an easy path to win top spot at the games.

“I was quite surprised, because there was some tough opponents that I’ve lost to before,” McAlpline said.

“I beat them this time, which feels really good,” he added.

“Coming home with the gold with a big tournament feels really good, too.”

McAlpine enjoyed the experience of being at the games, getting to hang out with friends and sleeping in their athlete village at a school.

He said they also got to know a lot of other athletes from across the province.

A number of athletes from Medicine Hat took a bus up to the games.

Accompanying McAlpine was Cypress County’s Malakai Kurpjuweit, who ended up taking home silver in his weight category.

Kurpjueweit felt good about his finish in the games and quite enjoyed the Olympic style experience.

“There’s a whole bunch of athletes, I think like 1500 athletes all together from all different sports, and it was cool how they had open ceremony and throughout the entire weekend, they had different events,” Kurpjuweit said.

“The closing ceremony also was pretty awesome.”

Malaki’s sister Emereese Kurpjuweit also brought home a medal with a bronze finish.

She was happy with this and the entire experience.

“Sleeping in the schools are definitely a different thing,” Kurpjuweit said.

“Usually it’s like hotel rooms. But it was really fun, like meeting all the other girls and becoming friends with them,” she added.

“The experience of Alberta Winter Games and being able to compete was just really incredible.”

Chloe Stuber from Medicine Hat who also brought home a bronze medal and is young enough that she hopes to compete at the games again next time they take place.

“I thought it was a really fun experience,” Stuber said.

“It was fun watching all the other athletes performing their best as well,” she added.

“Overall, it was really fun to watch.”

All four of these athletes will be heading to provincials and likely nationals in the coming months.

For McAlpine, his gold medal win gives him confidence heading into those events.

“Lots of the top athletes at nationals are in Alberta Winter Games, they fight in Alberta, so it’s really good to beat them this time,” McAlpine said.

“I’m definitely going to beat them for provincials and nationals when I go.”

These kids all mentioned that the experience at the Alberta Winter Games is something they won’t forget.

by Jesse Gill

‘Being able to compete was just really incredible’: Four Medicine Hat Judo Club athletes snag medals at Alberta Winter Games

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