He wasn’t even supposed to be there originally, but as a late addition to the Canadian team at the 2013 World University Games, Michael Robertson showed the coaches they made a great choice as he helped Canada to a silver medal in the 4x400m relay. The quartet that also included Benjamin Ayesu-Attah from Coquitlam, B.C.,Brendon Rodney of Toronto and Daniel Harper of Brampton, Ont. crossed the line in 3:05.26, the fastest time by a Canadian team in a number of years.
Robertson’s run in the 4x400m relay came after an earlier appearance in the 4×100 relay final where he was teamed with club mate Oluwasegun Makinde. The pair teamed up with Sam Effah of Calgary and Brendon Rodney to originally cross the line in fifth place with a time of 39.39, but were later disqualified.
In Ste Therese at the Canadian Junior Championships, the first day of the decathlon wrapped up with Matt Johnson and Kevin Nault both on pace for a personal best. In the 1500m semi-finals, Canadian record holder Adam Palamar easily advanced to the final by winning his heat in 3:58.71. Teammate, Alex Wilkie advanced on time, out of the same heat, crossing the line in 4:00.58.
Also advancing to a final were Charlotte Gardner and youth athlete Reilly Jones in the women’s 400m. Gardner and Jones went 2-3 in the first semi-final.
Finishing out the evening, Charlene Rhead finished sixth in the 2000m steeplechase final in 7:10.13. Teammate Maggie Schuenert placed 13th with a time of 7:33.53.
