Filipino Canadian Shalene Lee managed to salvage a bronze medal in a tough competition of the 2015 Cadet and Junior Pan Am Games held August 27-29 in Sta. Cruz, Bolivia.
Lee’s perseverance against top caliber competitors rewarded her a tie in the 3rd spot with Peru’s Heydi Ortiz in the Karate female event.
The 17-year-old product of Winston Churchill Secondary in Vancouver displayed dedication and heart in this tournament, but fell short at the hands of eventual champion and silver medalist Valerya Hernandez of Venezuela and Mares Leslieth Ayzadeth Hernandez of Mexico, respectively.
“It was really tough facing them. I just did all I can to be at par but it’s not enough,” she said.
The bubbly teen was somewhat still satisfied with her performance despite the results she got.
“I’m happy with the way it turned out, I didn’t expect I would land in the top three spot considering all the best athletes you have to face,” Lee added.
Lee noted that she had an exciting experience meeting all those competitors from among the 22 countries that participated in this tournament.
“To have an opportunity to be with the best in this competition is truly an honor for me,” Lee reiterates.
She vowed to perform better in her next international tournament.
