PICTURE PERFECT
Olympic bronze-medallist Kylie Masse takes a selfie in front of Sandwich Secondary School students Friday during a homecoming event in LaSalle. Masse, who swam to a medal in the women’s 100-metre backstroke in Rio, was also named an ambassador for the upcoming FINA World Swimming Championships in Windsor.
Olympic backstroke bronze medallist Kylie Masse is planning to make a splash at the FINA World Swimming Championships in Windsor.
Not only is Masse the event’s ambassador but she’s hoping to turn her bronze into a gold in front of a hometown crowd.
The championships will be held Dec. 6-11 at the Windsor Family Credit Union Centre and are expected to attract world class and Olympic swimmers.
Masse said it “means the world” to her to be ambassador and she’s excited to able to compete for Canada in Windsor and Essex County.
“I think people should realize this is the world championships of swimming,” Masse said. “So the entire world’s best swimmers are going to be here in Windsor. It’s a very special event and I hope people realize that.”
In preparation for the event, the WFCU ice surface will be covered and a 25-metre swimming pool will be built.
Masse took a short, well deserved break after the Rio Olympics but is now back training.
She’s also reviewing race videos from Rio to see where she can improve.
As an ambassador, Masse will participate in local organizing committee events and promotions and will appear on the event poster and in advertising.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens said Masse is the perfect ambassador because she’s a local athlete with great talent.
“Kylie is an inspiration to a lot of people in this area,” he said.
“There were so many people who were glued to their television watching her 100-metre backstroke race in Rio and waiting to see how she finished.
“When that third-place finish came up, for everyone in this area she’s a first-place winner. That bronze medal is a gold medal for everyone here.”
Tickets for the championships are on sale at finawindsor2016.com