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A gold rush for Erika-Leigh
One more event and she could have pushed Canada to the 100-medal mark.
The Oakville, Ont., rhythmic gymnastics competitor won all five golds available in her event - all four individual events and the all-around - and a team silver medal for good measure.
"I knew it could be done. An Australian girl did it four years ago in Victoria,'' she said.
"That was my goal going in. I knew I had it in me.
"I was happy and so proud I could bring in so many medals for Canada. But I don't think five golds makes me any more important than anybody else here.''
She defended her sport, which has been compared to synchronized swimming.
"I think my sport is wonderful," said Stirton. "It's a great sport for women. I don't know why people put it down. It combines athleticism and artistry. I combine it in a package that's wrapped up nicely so you can't tell how hard it is."
Despite her golds, her goal in Sydney is to make the top 12.
"I still have to prove that I can compete with the Europeans. But I think this will be a great stepping stone for me.
'`I think this will prove to have been a real learning experience for Sydney 2000. I'm going to use this to keep the ball rolling.''
Her six medals at the Games is the best haul by an athlete at these Games, ahead of swimmer Joanne Malar, who earned a gold, two silvers and a pair of bronze.