Olympic years are always special in the world of athletics, with heightened attention, concentrated focus, and a clearly defined goal. The 2024 season has produced a number of memorable and noteworthy efforts for the Ottawa Lions, particularly in the 400 metres — a discipline that has become a defining highlight of the Club’s year.
For multiple reasons, 2024 could be remembered as the “Year of the 400 Metres” for the Lions. A total of 10 athletes broke the 50-second barrier for the one-lap race over the past 12 months, marking the fifth-highest total in Club history. While this figure does not surpass the record of 12 athletes set in 2009 and matched in 2015, it is the age of the athletes achieving these times that has made this year stand out.
Historic Performances by U18 Athletes
For the first time in Club history, three U18 athletes bettered the 50-second barrier in the same season, led by Zachary Jeggo. Jeggo took nearly half a second off the previous Club U18 record, clocking an impressive 47.82 seconds to win the OFSAA Championships in June.
Jeggo’s feat was complemented by Ange-Mathis Kramo and Kyle London. Kramo became the youngest Lion ever to break 50 seconds with a 49.65 performance to place fifth at the Ontario U20 Championships. At just 16 years and 47 days old, Kramo narrowly beat Jeggo’s age mark set in 2023 by just five days. London joined the sub-50 club with his 49.98 effort, finishing 11th at the Royal Canadian Legion Championships.
U20 Breakthroughs
The U20 category contributed four more athletes to the sub-50 list in 2024, headlined by Stephan Balson. The Saint Kitts-Nevis international impressed with a 47.89-second performance at the Canadian U20 Championships, having previously dipped under 50 seconds at his national championships in 2023 before joining the Club. Joining him were William Sanders, William Harris, and Safwan El Mansari, each posting sub-50 times for the first time in their careers.
U23 and Open Category Highlights
Among U23 athletes, David Moulongou and Keito Newman both achieved sub-50 marks early in the season. Moulongou clocked a 49.06 at the Spring Kick Start meet in May, while Newman recorded a 49.23 at the California Pacific Conference Championships in April — his first time under the 50-second barrier.
The open category saw Saj Alhaddad join the ranks with a 49.79 effort indoors at Boston University. At 32 years old, Alhaddad has been a long standing member of the sub-50 club; however, this year’s performance made him the third-oldest athlete in Club history to break 50 seconds, trailing only Ray Cardinal, who posted a time of 47.84 at the age of 37.
Women’s 400m Milestone
While not part of the sub-50 list, Lauren Gale’s achievements this year deserve special mention. The 24-year-old set a new women’s Club record of 50.47 seconds at the Royal City Inferno in June. Gale’s time, the fastest by a Canadian woman since 1992, secured her a spot at her second Olympic Games, underscoring her status as one of Canada’s premier 400m runners.
A Season to Remember
From record-breaking youth performances to standout achievements by seasoned athletes, the 2024 season has cemented itself as a historic year for the Ottawa Lions in the 400 metres. With such a strong foundation of talent and potential, the future looks bright for the Club as it continues to push the boundaries of excellence in athletics.
For more Club statistics, please visit https://milesrowat.shinyapps.io/ottl_rankings/