This past weekend Athletics Ontario co-hosted the Senior Championships, Para and Prep Meet #1 with the York University Track and Field Club and what a tremendous event it was. Athletes battled gale-force winds in their attempts to achieve Olympic Standard just in time for the Rio Selection Trials and even some personal bests.
Many athletes saw their dreams come true, like Muhumed Sirage of the London Legion Track and Field team who qualified for the World Juniors in the 3000meter steeplechase with a time of 9:06. Sirage achieved standard despite fighting strong winds and tough competition.
Inspirational stories were everywhere and none provide to be more inspiring than Katty Abran. She is a true testament to the power of sport. After joining the London Western Track and Field team two months ago, this was Katty’s first ever competition racing in the Women’s open 100 and 200 meter para wheelchair events. Finishing with a silver medal in both, Katty’s daughter was on hand to show her support for her moms’ tenacity and determination at her first track and field event. It’s safe to say that Katty is a forced to be reckoned with as her desire to train and compete only grew over the weekend. We can expect great things from Katty Abran, and we look forward to watching her grow in our sport.
For some athletes, like Sarah Wells this was her first competition post-injury and her first time back competing at the Pan Am Stadium where she took home a silver medal in the Women’s 400meter hurdles. Watch her interview HERE.
Other notable performances came from Women’s shot putter, Brittany Crew who after breaking her own record down in Tucson, Arizona earlier this year, has qualified for National trails in Edmonton in hopes of representing Canada on the world stage.
One of the most fascinating races to watch was Nikkita Holder taking charge of the women’s 100meter hurdles with an impressive time of 12.93.
Segun Makinde of the Ottawa Lions Track and Field club took home gold in the men’s 100meter dash with a steamy 10.25 seconds.
Click here for a full list of results.