Nicholas Giles Shines at Ontario Pickleball Championships: The 2024 pickleball season has presented Nicholas Giles-Pelletier with more obstacles than anticipated. Struggling with health issues throughout the year, the Thunder Bay athlete has had to limit his participation in numerous events. Yet, despite these setbacks, Giles-Pelletier’s focus on competing at the provincial level remained steadfast.
Medal Victory in Toronto
In a commendable display of resilience, Giles-Pelletier captured two medals at the Pickleball Ontario Championship Series finals held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre last weekend. He clinched gold in the mixed doubles 3.5/4.0+ under 40 division alongside his partner, Florina Nisioiu. Additionally, he earned a bronze medal in the men’s doubles 4.0+ under 40 category, playing with his father, Paul.
“I was just happy that my body held out and I was able to compete for all three days. There was really good competition all the way through and there was no real drama going on. Everybody was just ready to play and have fun.” – (Giles-Pelletier)
A Grueling Schedule
The tournament proved demanding for Giles-Pelletier. His schedule included men’s singles open play on Thursday, men’s doubles with his father on Friday, and mixed doubles with Nisioiu on Saturday.
“The goal going into the weekend was just to stay healthy. I’ve been going through some vertigo spells, so I was just wanting to get through the tournament and play the best that I possibly could.” – (Giles-Pelletier)
The event didn’t start smoothly; Giles-Pelletier fell ill on Thursday and had to withdraw from the singles competition. However, his condition improved as the tournament progressed.
“My body was getting used to playing all day and I wasn’t feeling too bad by Saturday, which was when Florina and I were able to get our mixed doubles win.” – (Giles-Pelletier)
A Passion for the Game
Giles-Pelletier qualified for the provincials through his performance at the Championship Series qualifier in Midland earlier this year. The recent tournament allowed him to measure his skills against Ontario’s top players, but he highlighted the social aspects of the sport as the true highlight.
“Honestly, the best part of the sport for me is the people. In pickleball, it’s more about getting to know one another than in other sports. I got to see the people that I had met or played against back in Midland and to reconnect with them and form some friendships was the most fun part of the weekend for me.” – (Giles-Pelletier)
A Journey of Dedication
Giles-Pelletier’s journey with pickleball began three years ago when he and a college friend discovered the game at Boulevard Lake.
“I got my father into the game as well so when my buddy moved back home after he was done college, I pretty much started playing all year round with my dad.” – (Giles-Pelletier)
Before pickleball, he played hockey, and soccer, and developed a keen interest in ping pong during college.
“There’s a few ex-ping-pong players who play pickleball now, and they definitely have a step up on people who don’t play any racket sports. Any sport that involves hand-eye coordination is going to set you up really well.” – (Giles-Pelletier)
Looking ahead, Giles-Pelletier will next compete in the Meet in the Middle tournament in Grand Marais with members of the Thunder Bay Pickleball Club. Additionally, he awaits confirmation on a potential opportunity to represent Ontario at the USA Nationals in Dallas this November.
News in Brief: Nicholas Giles Shines at Ontario Pickleball Championships
Thunder Bay’s Nicholas Giles-Pelletier overcame health challenges to secure two medals at the Ontario Pickleball Championship Series in Toronto. He won gold in mixed doubles with partner Florina Nisioiu and bronze in men’s doubles with his father, Paul.
Despite a rocky start due to illness, Giles-Pelletier’s performance improved as the tournament progressed. He qualified for the provincials through an earlier qualifier in Midland and praised the sport’s community aspect. Looking forward, he will compete in Grand Marais’ Meet in the Middle tournament and hopes to represent Ontario at the USA Nationals in Dallas in November.
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