Dawson City runner Jack Amos was the first phase two Yukon athlete to medal at the Western Canada Summer Games in Swift Current, Sask. Amos won bronze in the 5,000-metre race on Aug. 15.

Amos' bronze medal time in the 5,000m was 16:36:65, a time he wasn't quite happy with.

"Personally, it was kind of a frustrating race," said Amos. "It was about a minute and a half slower than my personal best. My head wasn't in it, and the entire race was a struggle, but I was doing it for the Yukon."

Before the Games, Amos hadn't raced for two months because of injury. In February, he suffered a stress fracture to his right femur and in October, he got another stress fracture, this time to his right tibia.

"The October injury was worse," said Amos. "I couldn't walk, and was on crutches for six weeks. I didn't run for four or five months after."

It was because of these injuries that Amos went into the Games feeling apprehensive.

"I was scared to re-injure myself," said Amos. "I didn't know where I was fitness-wise, and I was trying not to hyperventilate. I managed to pull myself together."

Although he found his race frustrating, he said he was still happy to represent the Yukon.

"I was happy to contribute to the Yukon medal count," said Amos.

Yukon athletes won nine medals in Swift Current. Two bronze in kayaking, a silver and bronze in swimming, a bronze in cycling and two silver and a bronze in wrestling.

Amos, 18, competed in the 2015 WCSG, which are held every four years. For the past three years, he has gone to school in Victoria to continue training as a runner.

"It is always great to be with Team Yukon," said Amos. "I love these events; I get to meet new people and reconnect with teammates."

In the 5,000m race, the Yukon had three athletes competing, including Amos. Brahm Hyde came in fifth and Darby McIntyre came sixth.

Amos said the longer distances, 3,000m, 5,000m are his preferred races. He made the final of the 3,000m race but it did not go according to plan. Amos did not finish the event.

Getting back on the track for Team Yukon at the Games, Amos said, was a good push for his training.

"I think it was a good focal point for training," said Amos. "It was a good motivation point; let's go make the Yukon proud."

After struggling to find the confidence in his body again, Amos did say he learned a few things at the Games.

"I learned that I felt comfortable running at a fast pace again," said Amos.

Amos said he enjoyed being around the atmosphere of the Western Canada Summer Games.

"I had never been to Saskatchewan before," said Amos. "Canada has so much, so it was nice to see it. Probably wouldn't want to live there."

He may not want to reside in Saskatchewan, but he will be heading farther east to become a Gryphon when he attends the University of Guelph in Ontario. He will leave in the next few days.

"I am looking forward to cross-country training camp," said Amos. "And I'm stoked to represent the Yukon at national events."