Les Semchuk Pickleball Triumphs: Les Semchuk, a 69-year-old from Battleford, Saskatchewan, won three medals at the Provincial Pickleball Trifecta competition held from June 6 to 8 at the Kinsmen Soccer Centre in Saskatoon. He took home gold in Men’s Singles 4.0 (60+), silver in Mixed Doubles 4.0+ (56+), and bronze in Men’s Doubles 4.0+ (50+).
Competing Across Multiple Divisions
Les Semchuk competed with Jason Liu of Regina in Men’s Doubles and with Colleen Moniuk of Saskatoon in Mixed Doubles. Despite his age, Semchuk proved he could keep up with strong competitors from different age groups.
“I was expecting actually two [more] golds,”. “I’m very competitive, and even though I’m 69, I still feel like I’m 25. So the age of the competitor doesn’t really bother me at all.”(Les Semchuk)
Fitness and Determination
Semchuk said staying fit helped him succeed in pickleball. He shared that once he got in shape, he stayed consistent to avoid setbacks.
“I’m still maintaining my level of fitness for the last few years,”. “So it’s kind of fun to stay in shape, because then you don’t have to go through that curve of pain [to get back in shape].”(Les Semchuk)
Before the tournament, Semchuk injured his heel but didn’t let it stop him.
“I rested for the week before the tournament,”. “I tried to get it to heal up as much as possible, and then I had to make a plastic cuff for my heel and tape my heel. But every day I played, I got a different wear mark from all the tape. So every day I was dealing with scrapes and heel discomfort, so I had to figure out how to play without that affecting my play.”(Les Semchuk)
Previous Wins and Strong Partnerships
Semchuk is part of the Battlefords Pickleball Club and has a strong record of success. In April, he won gold in Mixed Doubles at a local tournament with Tricia Heidel in the Open Age category. The pair went undefeated, finishing 8-0 in the round robin and 3-0 in playoffs.
“It was an amazing undefeated run that put big smiles on both our faces,” (Les Semchuk).
Looking Ahead to Nationals
Next, Semchuk will compete at the national pickleball tournament in Winnipeg from August 19 to 24. He continues to stay active through other sports like disc golf and kayaking.
Semchuk enjoys pickleball for its easy pace and social nature.
“It’s low impact on the body, when you play normally for only two hours every other day,”. “Plus, it has a very high sociability factor that makes pickleball the most fun game I’ve ever played.”(Les Semchuk)
He encourages other older adults to stay active and live fully.
“I still feel like I’m in my 20s by staying active and staying in reasonable shape,”. “I don’t feel much different than I did in my 20s.”(Les Semchuk)
News in Brief: Les Semchuk Pickleball Triumphs
Les Semchuk, 69, won three medals at the Provincial Pickleball Trifecta in Saskatoon. Despite a foot injury, he pushed through and continues to inspire others with his active lifestyle. He now sets his sights on the national tournament in Winnipeg, taking place from August 19 to 24.
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