Jorai_Jeggo_AO_Awards_Banner_2024

Lions Honoured at Athletics Ontario Awards Banquet

by linkinbioProvincial

Two Athlete of the Year awards, two Hall of Fame inductions, and three new banners for our office at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility—Saturday night’s Athletics Ontario Awards Banquet in Toronto was a remarkable evening of celebration for the Ottawa Lions.

Two Athlete of the Year awards, two Hall of Fame inductions, and three new banners for our office at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility—Saturday night’s Athletics Ontario Awards Banquet in Toronto was a remarkable evening of celebration for the Ottawa Lions.

Leading the charge was Jorai Oppong-Nketiah, whose 2024 season was nothing short of spectacular. At the Athletics Ontario Outdoor Championships, Jorai captured gold in both the U18 100m and 200m, along with a bronze in the U18 4x100m relay. She also earned silver in the U20 100m, demonstrating her ability to excel across multiple age groups.

Her dominance continued on the national stage at the Athletics Canada U18 Championships, where she took home gold in both the 100m and 200m, setting a Championship record in the 100m. At the National U20 Championships, she further cemented her reputation with a Canadian U18 record in the 100m, alongside winning gold in the U20 100m and silver in the U20 200m—an impressive feat for such a young athlete.

Zachary Jeggo, who also claimed the title of Ontario’s Top U18 athlete, displayed a season of consistent excellence. Jeggo shined on the national stage in 2024, where he amassed an impressive seven medal haul. The 17-year-old captured his first individual national title when set a Championship record in the 400 metre hurdles at the Canadian U18 Championship. That gold medal was one of four medals he captured in Calgary. 

Competing up an age category at the Canadian U20 Championships, Jeggo picked up bronze and silver in the 400 and 400 hurdles respectively before ending the Championship by anchoring the Lions to silver in the 4×400 relay. His performances throughout the year have set a high standard, inspiring the next generation of Ottawa Lions athletes.

In addition to Jorai and Zachary’s incredible achievements, Wendy Alexis was recognized with a nomination for Masters Athlete of the Year. Wendy’s long-standing success and dedication continue to inspire everyone within the Ottawa Lions community.

The Hall of Fame welcomed Stuart McGregor, inducted in the athletes category. A three-time Paralympic medalist for Canada in the T13 800m, McGregor’s remarkable career saw him rise to the top of international competition. To this day, he still holds Canadian records in the T13 400m and 800m, further cementing his legacy in Canadian athletics.

The evening also celebrated the legacy of Pat Reid, who was inducted into the Athletics Ontario Hall of Fame in the Builder category. Pat spent 35 years contributing to the sport, coaching athletes to 16 national titles and leading Canadian teams at major international events, including the 1984 Olympics, 1986 Commonwealth Games, and the 1987 Pan American Games. He also served as a member of the Athletics Ontario board, playing a key role in shaping the sport’s growth and development in the province.

In addition to the individual accolades, the Lions were presented with three Ontario Championship banners for their team success this past season. For the first time since 2015, the Ottawa Lions were crowned Ontario Overall Club Champions. As well, the Lions captured both the U20 and U18 team titles. With this year’s haul, the Club has now amassed 58 team titles since 2000. 

(Canton, United States---21 September 2024) Andre Alie-Lamarche of Ottawa Lions TF Clubcompeting at the Ronald C Hoffman XC Invitational on the campus of St Lawrence University 2024 Miles Ryan / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Alie-Lamarche Steals the Show at Hoffman Invitational

by University

André Alie-Lamarche stole the show at the Ronald C. Hoffman Cross Country Invitational on Saturday, winning the men’s race in an impressive time of 25:10.2. His commanding performance on the 8 km course propelled him to the top of the podium in a highly competitive field, where he battled a pair of All-Canadians from Queen’s all the way to the finish line. Alie-Lamarche’s winning time was the eighth fastest ever recorded on the St. Lawrence University course.

The 32nd edition of the Hoffman Invitational provided ideal conditions for cross-country running in upstate New York, with more than a dozen teams competing in both the men’s and women’s races.

Vroom Helps Queen’s Capture Women’s Team Title
In the women’s race, Elizabeth Vroom delivered a standout performance for Queen’s University, finishing 7th overall with a time of 23:23.2 on the 6 km course. As Queen’s third scorer, her finish was crucial in securing the women’s team title, helping them edge Middlebury College of Vermont by 11 points.

Gee-Gees Women Claim 4th Place
The University of Ottawa women’s team battled to a 4th place finish, scoring 135 points with an average time of 26:42.0. Leading the team was sophomore Melina Hamel, who placed 18th with a time of 24:14.4. Senior Kylee Fowler followed closely, crossing the line in 24:53.3 for 21st place.

Seniors Elliot Tyman and Katarina Culhane added valuable points with 27th and 33rd-place finishes, respectively, while freshman Lorelie Houde completed the scoring in 29:12.3, earning 36th place overall. Freshman Emma Strano was just behind in 37th, finishing in 29:14.7.

Men’s Team Fights for 6th Place Finish
For the University of Ottawa men’s team, sophomore William McLeish led the charge, finishing 26th overall with a time of 28:06.9. Junior Zach Sikka followed closely in 32nd, crossing the line in 28:41.7. Juniors Fred Parent and Adriano Padoin-Castillo added solid performances, finishing 39th and 40th, respectively, helping the team to a 6th place finish with a total score of 188 points. Freshman Rory O’Connell rounded out the scoring five with a time of 33:20.8.

Belan Makes University Debut
In his first year with the Guelph Gryphons, Nicolas Belan got his first taste of university cross-country action at the Vigars & Salter Western Invitational in London. Belan was Guelph’s ninth runner, finishing the Thames Valley course in 27 minutes and 18 seconds, placing 43rd overall.

At the same meet, Lauren Alexander made her debut with the host Western Mustangs. Western coach and Ottawa Lions alum, Scott MacDonald, noted that Lauren ran a strong opening five kilometres before having to pull out due to foot pain.

Looking Ahead
Both University of Ottawa teams will aim to build on these performances as they look toward the OUA Championships at the end of October. Next up for the Gee-Gees is Capital XC this coming Saturday at Mooney’s Bay, where they will be joined by the Ravens of Carleton and a number of Ottawa Lions runners.

For full results and photos from the meet, please visit our results page.

Copyright Brian Rouble/Shuttered Moments

Cassidy Conquers Sydney, Seaby Shines in Alabama, and Gardiner Helps McGill to Victory

by InternationallinkinbioUniversity

It was a busy weekend for Ottawa Lions athletes, with standout performances coming from Sydney, Alabama, and Montreal.

Joshua Cassidy continues to show why he’s one of Canada’s premier wheelchair athletes, taking the victory in the Sydney Marathon on Sunday. Cassidy crossed the finish line in 1:38:35, overcoming the race’s technical challenges, including a grueling 317 meters of elevation gain. Japan’s Sho Watanabe and Kota Hokonuie followed in second and third, finishing in 1:42:21 and 1:42:23, respectively.

Following the race, Cassidy shared his thoughts on Instagram, saying:
“Felt really good out there today. One of the toughest courses, technical with 317m elevation gain. Wasn’t sure how it would go with the changes and some strong Japanese athletes this year. It’s a challenging course. Really happy with this.”

In Huntsville, Alabama, Maddie Seaby kicked off her sophomore season with an impressive showing at the Southern Showcase. Running for the University of Louisville, Seaby placed 18th overall with a time of 17:13.31, a significant improvement of nearly 50 seconds over her season opener last year. Her performance helped Louisville to a second-place team finish.

Meanwhile, back in Canada, Zoe Gardiner helped McGill University to victory at the McGill Invitational in Montreal. Gardiner finished 12th overall on the 6km course with a time of 23:48, contributing to McGill’s team title. A neuroscience student, Gardiner has a unique athletic background, having previously played for the Martlets soccer team in her first three years at McGill. Morgane McKay, another Ottawa Lions athlete and first-year student at McGill, placed 43rd in 26:16 but did not score for the team.

(Montreal, Canada---30 June 2024) \ competing in the 2024 Bell Trials Canadian Track and Field Championships and Olympic Trials. Photograph Copyright 2024 Brian Rouble / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Lions Celebrate a Year of Triumph: Record-Breaking Performances and Rising Stars Shine at 2024 Awards Banquet

by Clublinkinbio

In a celebration of exceptional talent and dedication, the Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club honoured its top performers at this year’s awards ceremony. The event capped off a triumphant year for the club, which not only claimed the Ontario Overall Club title for the first time since 2015 but also added U20 and U18 age group titles to its illustrious history—bringing the club’s total to nearly 60 provincial team titles over the past quarter century. The ceremony recognized achievements that spanned national and international competitions, highlighting athletes who not only broke records but also continued a legacy of excellence.

Track Stars Lauren Gale and David Adeleye Shine Again

For the second consecutive year, Lauren Gale and David Adeleye were named recipients of the prestigious Gilbert Award, recognizing them as the top male and female track athletes. Both have dominated their respective events over the past two seasons. Gale, an Olympic finalist in the 4x400m relay and national record holder at 300 metres, further cemented her status as Canada’s premier 400-metre runner this year, setting a Club record of 50.47 seconds—the fastest time by a Canadian woman since 1992.

Adeleye, who captured silver at the National Championships in the 110-metre hurdles, set a personal best of 13.84 seconds, placing him third on the Club’s all-time list. Adding to his accolades, he set a new Club U23 record in the 60-metre hurdles (7.83) and earned a USports silver medal while representing the University of Toronto.

Throwers rule the field

This year’s recipient of the Gilbert Award as Male Athlete of the Year (Field) is Connor Fraser, whose standout performance in discus earned him a silver medal at the National Championships. Fraser, last year’s Top U20 Male Athlete, continued his strong form with gold in the Athletics Ontario Championships in discus and multiple top-10 finishes in his first year in the senior category.

Jessica Gyamfi was honoured with the Gilbert Award for Female Athlete of the Year (Field) after claiming gold in discus at the Athletics Ontario Championships. Gyamfi was also a finalist in both the shot put and discus at this year’s Olympic Trials, as well as a finalist at the USports Championships in both events.

Rising Stars: U18 Athletes Lead the Next Generation

Jorai Oppong-Nketiah, a rising star in Canadian sprinting, was unsurprisingly named the Most Outstanding Female U18 athlete for 2024. Oppong-Nketiah, who won last year’s U16 Female Award, shattered the Canadian U18 record in the 100 metres with a blistering time of 11.38 seconds, claiming gold at the Canadian U20 Championships. She also completed a second consecutive sprint double at the Royal Canadian Legion Championships, setting a meet record in the 100 metres.

Zach Jeggo became just the third boy in club history to win Outstanding U18 Performer two years in a row. The 17-year-old captured seven national championship medals across U18 and U20 competitions this season. Among the highlights was his meet-record victory in the 400-metre hurdles at the Royal Canadian Legion Championships. Jeggo also earned silver in the 400 metres and added relay medals in both the 4×400 and 4×100 events. At the U20 Championships, Jeggo took home additional medals in hurdles, the 400m, and the 4×400 relay.

Legacy of Excellence

Bianca Borgella claimed the Sam Estwick Memorial Award for the fourth consecutive season, solidifying her status as the most outstanding para athlete. Borgella, who competed in the 2024 Paralympics, broke the national T13 100-metre record twice this year, finishing with a best time of 11.92 seconds—ranking fourth globally.

In the Masters category, Wendy Alexis was named Most Outstanding Masters Athlete for an astounding 12th time. Alexis, last honoured in 2020, added to her impressive career by winning the world title in the W65 100 metres and taking silver in the 200 metres this season. Her induction into the Canadian Masters Hall of Fame served as the crowning achievement of a year that reaffirmed her place among the world’s best.

Mike Conway, this year’s Male Most Outstanding Masters Athlete, had a stellar season, winning gold in the M40 800 metres at both the National Championships and the Pan-American Masters Games, along with a silver in the M40 400 metres.

Honouring the Future of Athletics

The ceremony also celebrated the club’s younger athletes, with Liam Davis and Kathryn Moreland recognized as the Outstanding Performers in the U20 category. Davis excelled in the shot put, earning silver at both the National and Athletics Ontario Championships, while Moreland’s excellence in the heptathlon earned her silver at nationals and gold in the pentathlon at the Canadian Indoor Championships.

In the U16 division, Max Cazabon and Mallea McMullin were named Outstanding Performers. Cazabon earned gold in high jump at the Athletics Ontario Championships and the Ontario Summer Games, while McMullin dominated the javelin, claiming victory at every championship she entered in 2024, culminating in her first national title at the Royal Canadian Legion Championships.

Jake Claydon-St. John took home the Male U14 Outstanding Performer award, showcasing his versatility across middle-distance running and field events. Claydon-St. John medalled at the Ontario Championships in the 800m, 1200m, and 2000m events, and also secured bronze in the shot put, making him the only athlete in club history to win provincial medals in both a distance event and a field event in the same year.

Cross-Country and Combined Events Standouts

Kevin Robertson was recognized as the top male cross-country performer following his first-place finish at the Athletics Ontario Championships. On the women’s side, Nina Gunther and Maddie Seaby were co-honoured for their achievements, with Gunther leading the senior women’s team to provincial gold and Seaby finishing top-12 at the Canadian Championships.

In the combined events category, Kyle Waldrum and Kathryn Moreland were acknowledged for their achievements in decathlon and heptathlon, respectively. Waldrum earned silver at the Ontario U20 Championships, while Moreland was a two-time national medallist.

A Year to Remember

The Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club congratulates all of this year’s award winners for their exceptional dedication and achievements. As the 2024 season draws to a close, the athletes continue to set the bar for excellence, inspiring the next generation of track and field stars.

(St. Denis, FRANCE —03 September 2024) Bianca Borgella competing in the T13 100m heats at the 2024 Paralympic Games at the Stade de France. Photograph Copyright 2024 Marcus Hartmann / Gate3 Photo Agency

Bianca Borgella’s Paralympic Debut Ends in Heartbreak in T13 100m Final, but the Journey Continues

by Uncategorized

Lions sprinter Bianca Borgella’s first Paralympic Games in Paris ended in a dramatic display of courage and resilience. The 21-year-old Paralympic rookie, who had fought through a hamstring injury to even make it to the Games, saw her dreams of a podium finish slip away during the T13 women’s 100-metre final.

Racing in lane seven, Borgella was in a strong position early in the race, holding fourth place when disaster struck. Around the 30-metre mark, she clutched her left leg and collapsed to the track. Despite the setback, Borgella pulled herself up and hobbled across the finish line, recording a time of 25.11 seconds.

After two days of reflection and recovery, Borgella took to Instagram to share her thoughts on Tuesday’s final: “What an incredible journey this has been! Coming to these Games felt like a miracle, especially after injuring my hamstring six weeks ago during a 200m race. Initially, I feared I wouldn’t compete, but I knew I had to give it my all.”

In the lead-up to the Games, Borgella focused on recovery, working closely with her coaches and support team. She highlighted the importance of listening to her body, a lesson she learned after her initial hamstring injury. “Trusting my instincts has been vital in reaching the Paralympics,” she wrote. With the support of her coaches, friends, and family, she pushed through, feeling stronger than ever by the time she reached Paris.

Borgella’s performance in the preliminary heats had shown promise. She finished second in her heat with a time of 12.15 seconds, the fourth-fastest overall, securing her place in the final. However, the final didn’t unfold as she had hoped. “Just ten minutes before the race, my hamstring ached, but I refused to turn back. I wanted to represent Canada despite the risks of re-injury,” she shared.

Though the race ended in heartbreak, Borgella remains proud of her achievements. “I am proud to say that I finished the race, even after suffering a grade 3 muscle tear in the process. I placed in the top 8th in the world, and most importantly, I made it to the Paralympics.” 

Azerbaijan’s Lamiya Valiyeva claimed gold with a new world record time of 11.76 seconds, while Brazil’s Rayane Soares da Silva and Ireland’s Orla Comerford took silver and bronze with times of 11.78 and 11.94, respectively.

Despite the disappointment, Borgella is determined to come back stronger. “This isn’t the end for me – I will return better, stronger, and faster just you wait!!” Her journey may have been interrupted, but her resolve remains unshaken, and she is already looking ahead to future competitions.

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Lions Triumph at World Masters Athletics Championship with Three Medals

by InternationallinkinbioMasters

Following in the footsteps of the Olympic Games, the Ottawa Lions continued to demonstrate their excellence on the international stage, earning three medals at the recent World Masters Athletics Championship, held in Gothenburg, Sweden, from August 13 to 25.

Wendy Alexis, competing in the W65 category, led the charge, securing a gold medal in the 100 metres and a silver in the 200 metres. After a stellar season that included Canadian and Pan American titles, Wendy added a world title to her impressive list of achievements. She claimed the top spot in the 100 metres with a time of 14.46 seconds, narrowly missing her seasonal best of 14.44 seconds.

Wendy’s silver in the W65 200 metres was equally impressive. Battling a strong 2.9 m/s headwind, she clocked in at 30.81 seconds, one of her fastest times this season.

For context, Wendy’s performances equate to a remarkable 11.24 seconds in the 100 metres and 23.62 seconds in the 200 metres when adjusted for age, according to the WMA Age Grading Calculator.

Liz Maguire also made her mark, capturing silver in the W55 1500 metres. Her time of 5:01.80 was her second-fastest of the season and, when adjusted for age, equates to 4:04.46. Liz’s performance adds to the Ottawa Lions’ proud legacy of success on the global stage.

Michael Conway, competing in the M40 category, advanced to the semi-finals of the 400 metres, placing 20th overall. A double medalist at the recent Pan Am Masters Games, Conway also finished 22nd in the 800 metres with a time of 2:08.39.

Also competing in Gothenburg, Michel Smith placed 48th and 52nd, respectively, in the M55 100 and 200 metre events. Lawrence Williams, competing in the M50 200 and 400 metre events, placed 59th and 37th, respectively.

(Montreal, Canada---30 June 2024) \ competing in the 2024 Bell Trials Canadian Track and Field Championships and Olympic Trials. Photograph Copyright 2024 Brian Rouble / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Join our team today! Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club Announces Program Registrations for 2024-2025 Season

by Clublinkinbio

The Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club is excited to announce that registrations for all programs for the 2024-2025 season are now officially open!

After a successful 2023-2024 season that saw our membership surpass 1,500 athletes and record-breaking participation in our hosted events, we are eager to build on this momentum. The club played host to 21 events, including the highly attended Canadian Cross Country Championships and our ever-popular Twilight Series and indoor meets.

On the competitive front, the Ottawa Lions continued to establish themselves as a powerhouse, capturing 7 international medals, 74 national medals and 116 provincial medals. Our team proudly earned the titles of Ontario Overall Club Champion, U20 Club Champions, and U18 Club Champions. From local grassroots races to the global stage of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, our athletes shined brightly.

As we turn the page on hosting the Canadian Cross Country Championships, we set our sights on new goals, including bringing the Canadian Track and Field Championships to Terry Fox Athletic Facility in the summers of 2025 and 2026.

Join us for another season of excellence, growth, and community at the Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club by registering today!

For more information on the programs we offer, including training days and times, please visit our one of the following pages for more information:

Evelis Aguilar of Colombia, Lauren Gale of Canada and Miranda Charlene Coetzee of South Africa compete during the Women's 400m Round 1 of the Athletics on Stade de France during the Paris 2024 Olympics Games on August 5, 2024 in Paris, France. AFP7 05/08/2024 (Europa Press via AP)

Lauren Gale Shines in Olympic Debut, Anchors Canada to Sixth Place in 4x400m Relay

by Internationallinkinbio

Lauren Gale’s 2024 Olympic journey may have begun with unexpected challenges, but she capped it off in the only way she knows—with unwavering strength and determination. The 24-year-old sprinter anchored Team Canada to a commendable sixth-place finish in the women’s 4×400 metre relay, delivering a season-best time of 3:22.01. The team, which included Gale, Zoe Sherar, Kyra Constantine, and Savannah Sutherland, shaved nearly four seconds off their qualifying time, showcasing their resilience on the global stage.

Gale, who has previously led Canadian U20 and Indoor 4×400 teams to record-breaking performances, once again demonstrated her speed and tenacity despite facing significant hurdles earlier in the week. After contracting a stomach illness at Team Canada’s training camp, Gale battled through the heats and repechage of the individual 400 metres, finishing 24th overall with a time of 52.68. Reflecting on her experience, Gale shared, “I got cleared the day before competing. I wasn’t doing well, lost a lot of weight, and just ran with a lot of heart today—more so than legs.”

The relay final was among the most fiercely contested events of the Games. All five teams that finished ahead of Canada set new National Records, with the USA dominating the race in an impressive 3:15.27, just shy of the long-standing world record. Gale, receiving the baton in sixth place, fought valiantly to overtake France, moving into fifth position briefly before being edged out by France’s Louise Maraval in the final 100 metres.

“For a few of us, this was our fourth 400 of the week, so when we’re fresh and ready, I think we’ll be even quicker,” Gale said in an Athletics Canada press release. “We’ve got many more Olympics and World Championships to come, and I’m looking forward to running with these ladies again.”

This Olympic appearance marked a significant milestone in Gale’s career. Having been part of the relay pool for the Tokyo Olympics without competing, her evolution from a reserve athlete to anchoring the team in Paris underscores her dedication both on and off the track. Lauren Gale has firmly established herself as one of Canada’s leading sprinters, and her future in the sport looks brighter than ever.

(Montreal, Canada---30 June 2024) Zachary Jeggo competing in the 2024 Bell Trials Canadian Track and Field Championships and Olympic Trials. Photograph Copyright 2024 Miles Ryan / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Lions Shine at Royal Canadian Legion Championships, Setting Records and Securing Nine Medals

by linkinbioNational

In a weekend marked by fierce competition and record-breaking performances, the Ottawa Lions once again demonstrated their dominance as one of Canada’s top track and field clubs. The team returned home with nine medals—three gold, three silver, and three bronze—alongside 14 personal bests.

Oppong-Nketiah’s Double Gold

Jorai Oppong-Nketiah continued to solidify her status as one of Canada’s most promising young athletes with two record-breaking performances in the U18 Girls 100m and 200m events.

Kicking off the championships with the 100 metres, Oppong-Nketiah set a championship record of 11.43 seconds to capture gold on Friday evening. This performance, combined with her outstanding runs at the Canadian U20 Championship, now gives her the three fastest U18 100-metre times ever recorded in Canadian history—with one year still remaining in the category.

In the 200 metres, Oppong-Nketiah rewrote a long-standing club record, capturing her second gold medal of the championship with a time of 23.90 seconds. Not even a 3.5-meter-per-second headwind could prevent her from surpassing Lauren Gale’s previous club record of 24.03 seconds, set in 2016.

Jeggo’s Record-Breaking Weekend

One of the busiest athletes of the weekend, Zachary Jeggo, also emerged as the most decorated. Jeggo left Calgary with four medals and a championship record from two individual events and two relays.

Jeggo raced to victory in the 400-metre hurdles, clocking an impressive 52.67 seconds. This performance not only shattered his own club U18 record but also broke the championship record of 53.02 seconds, which had stood for nearly a decade—long before the 17-year-old was even born.

In the 400 metres, without hurdles in his way, Jeggo posted a time of 48.33 seconds to finish second. This marked his second national silver medal of the summer, following a similar performance at the Canadian U20 Championships in June.

Beyond his individual success, Jeggo played a crucial role in two medal-winning relay teams.

Teaming up with Ammiel Williams, Kyle London, and Ange-Mathis Kramo, the U18 Boys 4×400-metre relay team delivered one of the standout performances of the championships, crossing the finish line in 3 minutes and 19.07 seconds. Their performance shattered the club’s U18 record, set at last year’s championships.

The 4x100m relay team of Jimmy Lu Langley, Jesse Costanzo, Jeggo, and Kramo also etched their names into the relay record books. The quartet completed the race in 42.03 seconds, breaking the club’s U18 record that had stood since 2007 and securing the bronze medal.

A Dominant Display in Javelin

Mallea McMullin’s performance in the U16 Girls Javelin was nothing short of commanding. With an opening throw of 39.19 metres, McMullin won the event by a remarkable 6.5 metres. Her victory marks her as the latest in a line of Lions athletes to claim the national U16 javelin title, following in the footsteps of Sara Collins (2002), Sultana Frizell (1999), and Louise Perreault (1983).

Coughlin’s Resilient Comeback

After a disappointing run in Saturday’s 400-metre final, Quinn Coughlin demonstrated remarkable resilience as she rebounded the following day in the 400-metre hurdles to claim her first individual national title. Living up to her pre-event ranking, Coughlin was first across the line with a time of 1:01.34.

Kramo’s Sprint to Silver

Ange-Mathis Kramo continued to raise his national profile, adding to the Lions’ medal tally with a silver in the U18 Boys 200 metres. His time of 21.53 seconds places him second on the Lions’ all-time list, trailing Olympian Oluwasegun Makinde by just a tenth of a second.

Full results from the Championship can be found on our website.

Updated Club rankings can be found at https://milesrowat.shinyapps.io/ottl_rankings/

(Ottawa, Canada---19 June 2024) Kimberley Howitt competing at Ottawa Summer Twilight Meet #3 at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility. Copyright 2024 Miles Ryan Rowat / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Lions captured 14 medals at Canadian Masters Championship

by linkinbioMastersNational

For the second time this year, the Montreal area played host to a national championship. This past weekend, Canada’s best masters athletes competed at Stade Claude-Ferragne in the suburb of Laval. The small but mighty Ottawa Lions team captured a total of 12 medals over the three-day event.

Wendy Alexis continued to do Wendy Alexis things as she left Laval with a pair of medals in both the W65 100 and 200 metre events. Alexis, fresh off a pair of victories at the Pan American Masters Games, posted winning times of 14.60 and 30.34 seconds respectively. 

In the W40 category, Kimberley Howitt showcased her versatility by capturing a full set of medals. Her highlight was a gold medal in the 400m with a time of 1:04.63, followed closely by teammate Edith Duarte, who finished in 1:05.38 to take silver.

Howitt also earned a silver medal in the 800m with a time of 2:28.42 and a bronze in the 200m, setting a personal best of 29.90 seconds. Duarte edged out Howitt in the 200m, taking home the silver with a time of 29.47 seconds.

Michael Conway dominated the M40 800m, capturing gold with a strong and strategic race. His winning time of 2:06.73 was more than eight seconds ahead of the second-place finisher.

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Two Lions athletes showcased impressive speed in the 100 meters. Lionel Nahum (M50) and Michel Smith (M55) each earned a bronze medal for their outstanding efforts. Nahum clocked a windy 12.66 seconds, while Smith crossed the finish line in 13.68 seconds.

In the field events, Stan Seitz brought home double gold in the M75 category. He cleared 2.25 meters in the pole vault and 1.25 meters in the high jump to secure his victories.

Michel Smith sprinted to a silver medal in the M55 200m, while Mike McInerney secured a bronze in the 800m.

Next up for many of our masters athletes is the World Masters Athletics Championships next week in Göteborg, Sweden.

For updated Club rankings, please visit this link.