Steve Deakin won three gold medals and one silver medal at the Pickleball Canada National Championship
After missing out on the 2022 Pickleball Canada National Championship, professional pickleball player Steve Deakin returned full force to the 2023 National Championships, winning medals in every category he competed in.
The Pitt Meadows star last year suffered what he called a “career-threatening wrist injury” that forced him to the sidelines for much of the season, including the national championship in June. This was his first return to the biggest stage in Canadian pickleball since 2021 for last week’s Nationals.
“There were questions about my health and my increasing age, so I had something to prove,” Deakin said.
And he proves he’s done it by winning an impressive three gold medals and one silver.
ALSO READ: Golden Ears Pickleball Club hosts first summer tournament in Pitt Meadows
Playing with a variety of partners throughout the national championship, Deakin competed in men’s doubles 4.0 and up (aged 40-49), men’s professional doubles, mixed doubles 4.0 and up (aged 16-19). 39 years and under) and mixed doubles at the professional level, winning gold medals in each of these categories except mixed doubles 4.0 and above.
Winning the highest number of national championship medals in his career after returning from such a serious injury meant a lot to Deakin, who said he enjoyed every minute of the tournament.
“It was great to be a part of all of Canadian pickleball. We’ve seen incredible growth in the sport over the past few years and I’m really excited to be a part of that growth in Canada.”
Deakin is hoping to continue that winning streak as he prepares to return to the United States for a tournament in Cincinnati in September.
“My body feels good and my game feels strong.”
ALSO READ: Maple Ridge athletes shine at BC 55-Plus Games
“Gamer. Introvert. Problem solver. Creator. Thinker. Lifelong food evangelist. Alcohol advocate.”