Lauren Gale’s 2024 Olympic journey may have begun with unexpected challenges, but she capped it off in the only way she knows—with unwavering strength and determination. The 24-year-old sprinter anchored Team Canada to a commendable sixth-place finish in the women’s 4×400 metre relay, delivering a season-best time of 3:22.01. The team, which included Gale, Zoe Sherar, Kyra Constantine, and Savannah Sutherland, shaved nearly four seconds off their qualifying time, showcasing their resilience on the global stage.
Gale, who has previously led Canadian U20 and Indoor 4×400 teams to record-breaking performances, once again demonstrated her speed and tenacity despite facing significant hurdles earlier in the week. After contracting a stomach illness at Team Canada’s training camp, Gale battled through the heats and repechage of the individual 400 metres, finishing 24th overall with a time of 52.68. Reflecting on her experience, Gale shared, “I got cleared the day before competing. I wasn’t doing well, lost a lot of weight, and just ran with a lot of heart today—more so than legs.”
The relay final was among the most fiercely contested events of the Games. All five teams that finished ahead of Canada set new National Records, with the USA dominating the race in an impressive 3:15.27, just shy of the long-standing world record. Gale, receiving the baton in sixth place, fought valiantly to overtake France, moving into fifth position briefly before being edged out by France’s Louise Maraval in the final 100 metres.
“For a few of us, this was our fourth 400 of the week, so when we’re fresh and ready, I think we’ll be even quicker,” Gale said in an Athletics Canada press release. “We’ve got many more Olympics and World Championships to come, and I’m looking forward to running with these ladies again.”
This Olympic appearance marked a significant milestone in Gale’s career. Having been part of the relay pool for the Tokyo Olympics without competing, her evolution from a reserve athlete to anchoring the team in Paris underscores her dedication both on and off the track. Lauren Gale has firmly established herself as one of Canada’s leading sprinters, and her future in the sport looks brighter than ever.