The opening day of the 2025 Canadian Indoor Championships at York University’s Toronto Track and Field Centre saw Ottawa Lions athletes burst out of the blocks with a pair of championship records and several podium finishes.
Eli Mordel kicked off his weekend in spectacular fashion, blazing to a time of 8.09 seconds in the prelims of the U18 men’s 60m hurdles. The performance not only secured him the top seed going into the final but also established a new championship record, eclipsing the previous mark of 8.15. Mordel would go on to finish third in the final later in the day with a time of 8.28 seconds, earning a spot on the podium in one of the most competitive events of the meet.
Not to be outdone, Maxime Cazabon continued his dominant indoor campaign by claiming gold in the U16 boys’ high jump. The 14-year-old cleared 1.90 metres to secure the victory and set a new championship record in the process. The jump adds to an already impressive season for Cazabon, who is quickly establishing himself as one of Canada’s top young jumpers.
In the U20 women’s pole vault, Balqis Chouikhi soared to a second-place finish, clearing 3.50 metres. The result marks Chouikhi’s first national medal at the U20 level and matches her her lifetime best set earlier this season.
Closing out the Lions’ medals on Day 1 was Liam Davis, who powered his way to a gold medal in the open men’s weight throw. Davis launched the implement 14.78 metres to claim top spot. This is Davis’ first national gold medal following U20 shot put silver last summer..
Competing in the open women’s triple jump, Ella-Grace Gilbert landed a best mark of 11.08 metres, good enough for a bronze medal. The 21-year-old has really raised the bar for herself this indoor season with each one of her competitions exceeding the 11 metre barrier.
The Canadian Indoor Championships continue through Sunday, with more Lions athletes set to hit the track and field in search of national glory.
For live results visit https://live.athletics.ca/meets/45665
To watch online, visit athleticscanada.tv (subscription required)