Ottawa, ON — The Ottawa Lions opened the 2026 Canadian Track and Field Championships Presented by Bell with a statement performance from James Compeau and a wave of advancements at Terry Fox Athletic Facility on Wednesday, as 10 athletes booked their spots in semi-finals and the club athletes set 13 personal bests on the day.
Compeau set the tone in the men’s 400m qualifying, winning his heat in 47.62 to post the 10th-fastest U23 time in club history. The run was the quickest of the day for any Lions sprinter and put him through to the semi-final alongside a deep group of teammates.
The women’s 400m produced the club’s biggest collective push of the morining, with four of five Lions entrants advancing. Sharelle Samuel led the way in 56.22, followed by Kathryn Moreland (57.15), Tatiana Pender (58.52) and Cora McQuinn (58.62). In the U20 ranks, Ethan Hood advanced out of the 400m with a time of 49.77.
The Lions also found success over two laps, as Safwan El Mansari (1:52.78) and Amy Stieh (2:12.60) both advanced through the 800m, while Rose Basu (12.25) moved on in the women’s 100m. Madison White, racing in the T38 ambulatory category, punched her ticket to the semi-final with a 17.42 clocking.
The club’s two decathletes also opened strong. In the U20 decathlon, Kyle London sits fourth overall after day one with 3,286 points. Leo Wallner is sixth in the senior men’s decathlon with 3,489 points
Both combined event athletes will look to build on their positions when the decathlon resumes Thursday, alongside a busy slate of Lions in qualifying rounds and semi-finals.
Meet results are available at live.athletics.ca