The Ottawa Lions continued to make their presence felt at the 2025 Canadian Track and Field Championships, turning in a series of standout performances on day two at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility, including a pair of silver medals and multiple qualifiers for upcoming finals.
Leading the charge was Daniel Cova, who earned the club’s first medal of the meet with a gutsy run in the U20 men’s 5000 metres. Setting a 40-second personal best of 14:24.11, Cova led much of the race before being outkicked over the final 200 metres, ultimately claiming silver. His time moves him to second on the club’s all-time U20 list—just behind Olympian Mike Woods’ record of 14:15.86. Cova will return to the track Friday for the semi-finals of the 1500 metres.
In the open men’s discus, Connor Fraser added another medal to his growing national résumé, capturing silver for the second consecutive year with a throw of 50.23 metres. The reigning Ontario champion and Canada Summer Games team member becomes just the fourth Lion in club history to win multiple national medals in the event—joining the ranks of his coach, Tim Nedow, the only Lion to ever win the national senior title.
On the track, Lauren Gale opened her championship with authority, cruising to a comfortable win in her heat of the open women’s 400 metres in 52.50 seconds to secure her place in Friday’s final. The two-time Olympian will be chasing her first national senior title.
In the U20 men’s 400 metres, Zachary Jeggo (47.30) and Ange-Mathis Kramo (47.53 PB) both advanced on placing, while teammate Ayoub Shangai narrowly missed out, finishing 10th overall in 47.81.
Salome Nyirarukundo continued her strong 2025 season with a win in the B section of the open women’s 5000 metres. Her time of 16:31.09 marked a new personal best, improved her placing from last year by seven seconds, and moved her to 7th on the club’s all-time list.
In field event action, Maria Okwechime led all competitors in senior women’s long jump qualifying, posting a top mark of 5.71 metres to advance to the final.
Rounding out the day, Sophia McIntyre delivered a composed performance in the U20 women’s 800 metres, advancing to the semi-finals with a time of 2:18.21.
The action continues Friday running through Sunday at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility. For full schedule, tickets, and event info, visit athletics.ca.
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