Article contentLIKES THE RUSHArticle contentSt. John’s isn’t the first Canada Games Leah has been to in her athletic career.Article contentShe’s also represented the Yukon at the 2023 Winter Games in judo, as well as the 2022 Summer Games as a wrestler.Article contentSince she started wrestling in 2020, she’s also competed in the Arctic Games a pair of times.Article content“I think it’s a really exciting sport. I like the adrenaline rush,” said Leah. “I like being able to go out there and I kind of get out any nervous energy or anything like that on my opponents.Article content“So, I get to work it out, rather than something like running.”Article contentIt worked out for her. After finishing fifth in her weight class, Leah was named the Yukon’s flag bearer for Sunday’s closing ceremonies.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentCIRCLING THE GAMESArticle contentWhen the Games were awarded to St. John’s a couple of years ago, it was an event that the McLean family circled on their calendars.Article contentAlong with her other combat sports, Leah has also competed on the east coast in sports like volleyball, but she had never gotten back to Newfoundland and Labrador.Article content“I think it was really cool to come back here, because I’ve got a lot of family around, even in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, everyone came down to come see … it was definitely really special to come down and see a bunch of family and get together with them,” said Leah.Article contentIt was the same for her parents. Crystal is the team manager of the Yukon’s wrestling entry, and it gave her the chance to make the trip, as well.Article content“It’s always great to see her compete, but certainly extra special to get back to Newfoundland and on the East Coast,” she said.Article contentArticle contentBEING A TOUR GUIDEArticle contentGiven Crystal’s familiarity with the province and, to an extent, the City of St. John’s, Crystal was the perfect person to act as a bit of a tour guide for other parents and the rest of the athletes who came to town for the Canada Games.Article contentNot only can she guide to the best places and attractions around the area, but it’s also given her the chance to see the spirit of her home province.Article content“Being back at the Newfoundland hospitality, the volunteers are amazing,” said Crystal. “They’re so nice. You just see the true in Newfoundland spirit. That’s been really great, and that’s what I love about being home.”Article content
The 2025 Canada Games were a homecoming of sorts of one Yukon athlete
