Scott Stanfield
Record Staff
Robbie Thompson won a pair of cycling gold medals in the 12-14-year age group Tuesday at the Canadian Transplant Games in Calgary.
After a five-kilometre warmup ride, the 14-year-old Comox Valley resident won the 5k road race then added another gold over 20k.
"It was a very enthralling experience," Robbie said Wednesday from Calgary. "I'm just happy to be there."
His mother, Sue, said the combined 30k is probably the most her son has ever ridden at one time.
"He really rocked on the bike yesterday," Sue said. "He beat a bunch of the adults."
Robbie — who underwent heart transplants at 18 months and at five years — was to compete in swimming Thursday and badminton Friday. Wednesday was a donor walk.
Along with competing, Robbie had a "fantastic experience" carrying the B.C. flag during a parade along with another athlete who is a triple kidney recipient.
"The B.C. team is pretty fun," he said. "We have a very enthusiastic team captain...It's a good way to meet new people."
Robbie said the event shows that transplant recipients are like anyone else — people cannot tell who's who.
The Games also promote organ donation. Robbie notes the donor rate in Canada is low, with about 4,000 people on the waiting list.
"But there's not enough organs to go around," he said.
The Games wrap up Saturday.
reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com