St. John’s – Luke Enns stands out as a top performer at the 2025 Canada Games, not just for his prowess as a kayaker with Olympic aspirations, but also for his leadership qualities both on and off the water.
Competing in a total of eight events at Quidi Vidi Lake in the eastern part of St. John’s, Enns’ involvement in the Canada Games goes beyond the competition arena. This marks his third appearance at the Games, having secured two kayak medals in 2022 and participated in biathlon in 2023. However, the 2025 Games hold a special significance for Enns as he was selected to carry the flag for Team Manitoba during the opening ceremony.
Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity, Enns reflected on the honor of leading his team, a new experience that he cherished. In a pep rally speech, he emphasized the importance of perseverance and dedication, drawing from his own unexpected success in 2022 when he clinched two bronze medals. Enns encouraged his teammates to keep pushing themselves, even in situations where success may seem unlikely, highlighting the potential for unexpected achievements.
Despite his quiet demeanor, Enns’ leadership style resonates with his peers, described by Team Manitoba’s canoe-kayak head coach, Jerome Seremak, as a natural leader who sets a positive example for others. Enns’ impressive track record includes representing Canada at international events such as the 2024 Sprint Canoe Junior World Championships and the 2023 Olympic Hopefuls Regatta in Poland. Notably, he excelled in kayak singles at the 2022 Sprint Canoe Nationals and secured multiple medals at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games.
Enns’ journey in kayaking began unexpectedly five years ago, evolving from a casual summertime activity to a full-fledged passion. Now, he not only excels in the sport but also mentors fellow paddlers, contributing to the team’s growth and success. Recognized for his exceptional sportsmanship and community involvement, Enns received the Tom Longboat Award in 2024 for his leadership qualities and dedication to his Indigenous heritage.
Embracing his Métis background, Enns finds a deep connection to the waterways traveled by his ancestors through kayaking. His commitment to preserving his cultural roots extends to teaching paddling skills to Métis school groups and summer camps, emphasizing the importance of fostering connections to the land and water.
Balancing his athletic pursuits with academic endeavors, Enns is currently pursuing an engineering degree at the University of Manitoba. Despite his remarkable achievements, Enns remains focused on continuous improvement in his craft, with aspirations to see how far his kayaking skills can take him.
Looking ahead, Enns is gearing up for the national championships in Regina later this month, viewing the Canada Games as a stepping stone towards his ultimate goal of possibly competing in the Olympics. With unwavering determination and a clear vision, Enns is well on his way to making a mark in the world of competitive kayaking.