GABORONE, Botswana — Lauren Gale delivered a standout performance on the world stage Sunday, helping Canada capture bronze in the women’s 4×400-metre relay at the World Athletics Relays.
The Canadian quartet crossed the line in 3:22.66, the fifth-fastest time in national history, behind Norway’s world-leading 3:20.96 and Spain, which finished second.
Running the second leg, Gale once again proved pivotal. After clocking 50.14 in Saturday’s preliminary round, the two-time Olympian returned with a 50.17 split in the final — the fastest of the Canadian squad. She surged to the front early in her leg and controlled the race through much of the backstretch before a late charge from a tightly packed field, including sub-50 efforts from Norway, Great Britain & Northern Ireland, and the Netherlands, shifted the order in the closing metres.
Still, the result marked a significant milestone for both Gale and the Ottawa Lions program.
“It’s a crazy feeling,” Gale said following the race. “I’m very proud to have ‘World medalist’ on my resume now.”
The medal makes Gale just the fourth athlete in club history to reach the podium at a World Athletics Championship, joining a distinguished group that includes Ann Peel, Glenroy Gilbert, and Melissa Bishop-Nriagu.
Canada’s bronze continues a run of success in the event, following another third-place finish at the 2024 World Relays. Sunday’s performance also edges Canada closer to the elusive national record of 3:21.21, set at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
For Gale, Sunday’s result reflects both the progression and potential of the relay program.
“I think we were all healthy and really ready to run fast,” she said of the team’s performance on Sunday. “We had a goal and we wanted it. We have a great team and don’t get to run together super often, so when we do and we perform well, it’s a great feeling.”
Canadian head coach Glenroy Gilbert, who is also Gale’s personal coach, pointed to a noticeable shift in her approach this season.
“She’s running with a bit more hunger and desire to really break out of that sub-51 range and get more consistent in the low 50s,” Gilbert said from Botswana. “You’re seeing somebody who’s finding her way.”
That upward trajectory was evident throughout the weekend. Despite coming off a demanding training block, Gale backed up her preliminary effort with another strong run in the final.
“My confidence is definitely up,” Gale added. “I would have loved to see [my split] drop under 50 seconds, but it’s only May. Hopefully that will come.”
With a world championship medal now secured and momentum on her side, Gale’s performance in Gaborone offers a glimpse of what could be in store as the season progresses, with June’s national championships in Ottawa and the Commonwealth Games in Scotland ahead.