SANTA DOMINGO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (December 15, 2025) – Canadian athletes are returning home with medals in four events from the International Racquetball Federation (IRF) World Junior Championships, following a strong week of competition against the world’s top junior players.
In World Cup competition, Leyton Gouldie (Brandon, MB) and Raphaël Guillemette (Saint-Antoine-sur-Richelieu, QC) earned a bronze medal in Boys’ 18U Doubles, highlighted by an exciting semifinal matchup against the eventual world champions from Mexico.
Gouldie added a second podium finish, teaming up with Chloé Jauvin (Terrebonne, QC) to claim bronze in Mixed 18U Doubles. Jauvin continued her championship run with another medal, partnering with Lahni Buller (Grande Prairie, AB) to win bronze in Girls’ 18U Doubles.
With this result, Jauvin has won a total of four World Junior Championship medals, having medalled at two previous championships. Gouldie’s two podium finishes bring his career total to three World Junior medals, while Buller celebrated her first international medal.
The Canadian World Cup team consisted of 11 athletes from Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and Québec, all of whom qualified through performances at the 2025 Canadian National Championships. Team members competed in both singles and doubles events throughout the week.
Additional team members included Nathan Jauvin (Terrebonne, QC), Noah McEwen (Sherwood Park, AB), Ofelia Wilscam (Repentigny, QC), Kyrylo Tkach (Burlington, ON), Mason McPeek (Winnipeg, MB), Kaitlyn Couckuyt (Brandon, MB), and Ariana Buller (Grande Prairie, AB). The team was coached by Michel Gagnon (Longueuil, QC) and Jennifer Saunders (Winnipeg, MB).
Canada athletes also competed in the Esprit Cup division, an open developmental tournament for young athletes. Nathan Buller (Grande Prairie, AB) won silver in the White Consolation event. Buller, along with Oren Gouldie (Brandon, MB) and Elie Guillemette (Saint-Antoine-sur-Richelieu, QC) also gained valuable experience.
Racquetball Canada extends its sincere thanks to the Dominican Racquetball Federation for its outstanding hospitality and organization, the International Racquetball Federation for their work in developing the next generation of athletes and to everyone who supported Team Canada throughout the championships.
Many Team Canada matches are available for viewing on the International Racquetball Federation’s YouTube channel at the link below.
Complete results: https://www.r2sports.com/website/division-list.asp?TID=51283&sortBy=defaultOrder
IRF on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@irftv-internationalracquet6344
