Yukon athlete wins gold, bronze at Special Olympics

A young Yukon athlete is returning home from the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles with two medals in his division.

Darby McIntyre picked up gold in the 5,000 metre on Friday and bronze in the 1,500 metre on Saturday.

McIntyre says he had to push hard from the back up the pack in the 1,500, but it was worth it for the trips to the podium.

"Getting the gold for the 5,000 metre, getting the bronze for the 1,500 metre, I'm going to remember that," he said. "It is exciting."

McIntyre is the first Yukon athlete to participate in the summer Special Olympics since 1983. Other Yukon athletes have taken part in the winter games.

There is still more running ahead for the 15-year-old Vanier Catholic Secondary School student. McIntyre will race in the 3,000 and 5,000 metres in the Western Canada Summer Games.

That competition takes place August 7-16 in Fort McMurray, Alta.