DEH CHO
No matter the outcome of the final relay race Friday, Fort Simpson native Madison Pilling is proud of her team's performance so far in the 2015 Canada Winter Games.

Fort Simpson native Madison Pilling rounds the loop in a speedskating race during the 2015 Canada Winter Games in Prince George, B.C. - photo courtesy of the 2015 Canada Winter Games

Pilling, 18, is a speedskater taking part in the games currently underway in Prince George, B.C.

"I will not be disappointed with whatever the result is on Friday," said Pilling, who has taken part in the sport for 12 years. "I'm just

excited for the whole experience. We've already made some huge accomplishments."

She was part of the female 3,000 metre relay semi-final on Feb. 16 that broke a territorial time record.

The territorial team had a time of four minutes, 55.504 seconds. Team New Brunswick finished with the best time at four minutes, 37.739 seconds. The team's result moves it to the final which will be held on Friday.

Her teammates didn't miss any pushes and everything was on time she said.

"Everyone skated a flawless time," she said.

Pilling began competing Feb. 15 in the short track female 1,500 metre race, placing 18th overall out of 47 with a finish time of two minutes, 43.669 seconds according to the games' website.

"I was pretty happy about that," she said.

Pilling's 500 metre short track preliminary heat was on Feb. 16. She finished third in the heat with a time of 50.030 seconds.

She was set to take part in an upper heat on Wednesday, meaning she is still in the running for a medal.

Her mother and skate club coach Val Gendron, is also there as a territorial mission staff member.

Mission staff provide administrative and logistical support for the team.

Since Pilling goes to university in Prince George, competing there feels like being on home ice she said.

"It's nice to be somewhere that feels like home. You're more comfortable," Pilling said.

Pilling, who was the lantern bearer for Team NWT during the games' opening ceremony, is one of three athletes from this part of the territory competing in the games that kicked off last week.

Christina Bonnetrouge, 16 and Spencer Bonnetrouge, 18, from Fort Providence will play as a mixed badminton doubles team on Feb. 23.

Christina is also on a female doubles team with Novie Bordey of Hay River.

As well, hamlet resident Lois Philipp is there as a territorial mission staff member supporting the badminton team.

The territory sent 90 athletes to take part in sports including speedskating, badminton, judo, target shooting, figure skating, cross-country skiing, squash, biathlon, hockey and curling.

By the end of Monday, territorial athletes had won no medals. Quebec was in first place with 15. The competition will continue until March 1.