(Ottawa, Canada---04 November 2024) Kyra Lauter of ESC Franco Ouest (Ottawa) competing in the Senior Girls race at the 2024 OFSAA Cross Country Championships at Mooney's Bay Park.. Photograph Copyright 2024 Sean Burges / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Lions Capture Four Titles at NCSSAA West Conference Cross Country Championships

by High Schoollinkinbio

Ottawa Lions athletes delivered dominant performances on Wednesday at the NCSSAA West Conference Cross Country Championships, winning four of the six races contested on the wooded trails surrounding Bell High School. The club’s athletes took top spot in both junior races and placed three athletes in the top four of both senior races, setting a strong tone heading into next week’s city championships.

In the Senior Girls 6km, Kyra Lauter (Collège Catholique Franco-Ouest) moved up two spots from her 2024 finish to capture the win in 22:53.3, nearly a full minute ahead of club mate Edie Petrescu-Comnene (Nepean), who clocked 23:50.6 for silver. Maya Allibon rounded out the Lions’ top finishers with a strong fourth-place performance in 24:34.7, helping the club secure three of the top four positions in the field.

The Senior Boys 6km race came down to the wire, with Owen Recoskie (Longfields Davidson Heights) finishing just 1.5 seconds behind the winner from Sacred Heart to claim silver in 20:06.1. Recoskie’s performance marked a strong improvement after placing fourth in 2024. Jackson McKercher (John McCrae) was close behind in third with a time of 20:10.1, while Dean Kontogiannis (Earl of March) secured fourth in 20:38.5, giving the Lions another trio inside the top four.

Brady Charbot (St. Francis Xavier) was in a class of his own in the Junior Boys 5km, crossing the line in 17:34.6 to win by a commanding 54 seconds. The victory marked his second straight West Conference title after winning the novice boys race last year. The Junior Girls race produced a Lions sweep, as Charlotte Eccles (Nepean), Alexandra Harris (John McCrae), and Charlie Fee (Nepean) went 1-2-3. Eccles led the charge with a winning time of 19:46.4, followed by Harris in 20:03.2 and Fee in 20:06.4, showcasing the club’s impressive depth in the age group.

In the Novice Girls 4km, Keira Ganton (Maplewood SS) edged out clubmate Saoirse Hoogenraad (Longfields Davidson Heights) in a tight finish, winning in 15:20.2 to Hoogenraad’s 15:22.1. On the boys’ side, Jaiden Taft was narrowly denied gold, finishing second in 13:30.6, just 2.1 seconds behind the winner.

All runners have advanced to next week’s NCSSAA City Championships, where they will look to build on their strong conference performances in pursuit of qualification for the OFSAA Championships set for Brampton on November 1.

(Ottawa, Canada---27 September 2025) Zoe Gardiner of Ottawa Gee-Gees competing at the Capital XC Challenge at Mooney’s Bay Park. Copyright 2025 Miles Ryan / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Bayfront Invitational Wraps Regular Season Ahead of Championship Weekend

by linkinbioUniversity

Friday marked the culmination of the university cross country regular season, as top athletes from the OUA and RSEQ gathered at Hamilton’s scenic Bayfront Park for one final tune-up ahead of their respective conference championships on October 24. Under partly cloudy skies and mid-teen temperatures, the course along the shores of Lake Ontario provided a fast but competitive setting. The field featured three of the top four nationally ranked men’s teams, along with half of the women’s top 10, making it one of the deepest meets of the season.

Gardiner Leads Gee-Gees Women

Graduate transfer Zoe Gardiner once again led the University of Ottawa women’s squad, placing 21st in 28:57.4 over the 8km course to cap a strong regular season. Gardiner’s result helped the Gee-Gees to an 11th-place team finish. She was followed by Merissa Anderton (97th, 32:05.5), Ciara Villeneuve (105th), Elliot Tyman (122nd), and Taylor Brown (131st).

Pascalli Paces Gee-Gees Men

On the men’s side, Ben Pascalli led the way for the Gee-Gees, finishing 62nd in 25:46.2. The fourth-year business student is in his first season with the Gee-Gees and has made an immediate impact with the garnet and grey—serving as the team’s top finisher in both races he has started this season. Close behind were Max Wilson (64th, 25:53.2), William McLeish (72nd), Zachary Sikka (73rd), and Matteo Padoin-Castillo (125th), as Ottawa placed 10th overall in the team standings.

Lions Compete Across Multiple Programs

Several current Ottawa Lions athletes contributed to strong team results for other universities. Nicolas Belan played a key role for the Guelph Gryphons, finishing 32nd (24:59.3) overall as the team’s fifth scorer to help secure a third-place team finish. Representing McMaster, second-year athletes Derek Strachan (77th, 26:15.8) and Kiefer Melinz-Dupuis (103rd, 26:59.0) contributed to the Marauders’ fourth-place showing. On the women’s side, Tessa Knight, a freshman competing for Queen’s, placed 69th (31:17.6) to bolster the Gaels’ depth.

Ravens Round Out the Field

Carleton Ravens athletes also gained valuable race experience heading into championship season. First-year runner Duncan Gray continued to lead the Ravens men, finishing 84th in 26:23.6, while Macauley Blaine crossed in 128th. On the women’s side, second-year journalism student Sara Gross was first across the line for the Ravens in 96th (32:01.2), followed by Chloe Ranahan (107th) and freshman Bronwyn O’Ray (120th).

(Ottawa, Canada---27 September 2025) Elizabeth Vroom of Queen's Gaels competing at the Capital XC Challenge at Mooney’s Bay Park. Copyright 2025 Miles Ryan / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Vroom and Mortimer Shine at Capital XC Challenge

by High SchoollinkinbioUniversity

The Capital XC Challenge unfolded on a beautiful sunny fall day at Mooney’s Bay Park, where leaves painted in autumn colours framed the course. More than 250 athletes took to the start line, each aiming to be the first across the track finish of one of Canada’s most unique and demanding layouts. The 6km route tested competitors with two punishing stretches along the 450-metre beach sand and two climbs up the park’s signature hill, a four-storey ascent squeezed into just 60 metres.

Laval’s Rouge et Or emerged with both team titles, extending their dominance in U SPORTS cross country. It was a nail-biter in the women’s standings, with Laval edging Queen’s by just two points, while on the men’s side the Rouge et Or pulled clear for a comfortable 27-point victory over RSEQ rival Sherbrooke Vert et Or.

Vroom Leads Queen’s to Silver Finish

Leading the Queen’s Gaels to within two points of the team title, fourth-year standout Elizabeth Vroom narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth in 22:39.20. The former U SPORTS Rookie of the Year ran aggressively from the gun, leading through the opening lap before sitting in third on the final circuit. Vroom was eventually overtaken by Montreal’s Victoria LeBlanc in the last 500 metres, conceding bronze by just three seconds. Rookie Tessa Knight also impressed, placing 37th in 24:29.40.

For the University of Ottawa, Zoe Gardiner led the way. The McGill transfer and first-year medical student placed ninth overall in 23:05.70. Rounding out the Gee-Gees scorers were Merissa Anderton (60th), Daphnée Houde (66th), Sophia McIntyre (71st), and Ciara Villeneuve (72nd). Notably, Houde, McIntyre, and Villeneuve are all in their first year of study.

Carleton’s top performer was Sarah Gross, who finished 51st in 25:03.30.

Mortimer Breaks Through

High school senior Charlie Mortimer stepped up from the junior ranks and proved he belonged against university competition following his seventh place finish. The Hillcrest student crossed the line in 19:06.50, less than six seconds shy of the top five, signaling strong form ahead of his bid for the OFSAA title later this fall.

For the Gee-Gees, Ben Pascali was the top scorer, placing 17th in 19:25.50. Teammates Nathaniel Sneyd (48th, 20:02.40), Max Wilson (55th), William McLeish (63rd), and Zachary Sikka (66th) rounded out the scoring five.

Queen’s rookie Saul Taler contributed to the Gaels’ third-place team finish with a 24th-place showing in 19:37.10. Carleton’s best was first-year student Duncan Gray, who placed 80th in 21:03.50.

Mansouri and Lauter Top High School Races

The Lions also enjoyed success in the high school events at Friday’s Gryphon Open. Noah Mansouri claimed the men’s 5km title in 16:11.60, with clubmate Owen Recoskie taking third in 16:40.20. On the girls’ side, Kyra Lauter topped the field, winning in 18:43.80.

(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 Claims Army Run 5km Title as Lions Excel on the Roads

by linkinbioLocalMasters

Downtown Ottawa played host to the annual Canada Army Run on Sunday, and it was André Alie-Lamarche who stole the spotlight. The University of Ottawa graduate broke the tape in the 5km, clocking 15 minutes, 23 seconds to claim both the overall win and the M25–29 title, leading a series of podium finishes for the Lions.

Lions Crowd the Podium in 5km

A number of Lions followed Alie-Lamarche’s lead, particularly the club’s younger athletes. Noah Mansouri took top honours in the M15–19 division with a time of 16:29, followed closely by teammates Brody Charbot (2nd, 16:51) and Dean Kontogiannis (3rd, 16:53). Charbot’s performance also vaulted him to #3 on the Club’s all-time U16 rankings.

In the boys’ 14-and-under race, Jaiden Taft claimed the win in 17:38, while Lilah Saibil topped the girls’ division in 19:47 and established a new U14 club record in the process.

Rounding out the age-group podiums, Stephen Robinson placed 2nd in the M25–29 division at 16:34, while Jay Sneddon (3rd, M30–34, 18:05), Terry Rushworth (3rd, M50–54, 19:53), and masters runner Barbara Saville (2nd, F60–64, 22:09) all added medals to the Lions’ haul.

Lions Stretch Their Success to 10km and Half

Success was not limited to the shorter distance with a number of Lions featuring in longer events. Hazel Pritchard captured the F14-and-under 10km crown, finishing in 51:17. Her result moves her to second spot on the Club’s all-time U14 list.

In the half marathon, Adam Yakimchuk topped the M15–19 division with a time of 1:23:21, with teammate Olivier Young joining him on the podium in 2nd at 1:24:04. Young’s result also places him #3 all-time on the Lions U18 rankings.

Masters Shine in Berlin

While the Army Run was the focus at home, two Lions were making their mark abroad at the Berlin Marathon, one of the sport’s six World Marathon Majors. Liz Maguire ran 3:25:02 to place 11th in the women’s 55–59 category, while Robert Muir clocked 3:18:09 for 101st in the men’s 55–59. Both results secured coveted qualifying standards for next spring’s Boston Marathon, adding an international highlight to a strong weekend for the club.

(Canton, United States---21 September 2024) Zach Sikka of Ottawa University [JR] competing 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

Cross-Country Season Kicks Off South of the Border

by linkinbioUniversity

Crisp September air and the rolling hills of St. Lawrence University set the stage Saturday for the 33rd Ronald C. Hoffmann Invitational, marking the official start of the collegiate cross-country season. With teams from across the Northeast and Canada toeing the line, the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, and Ottawa Lions athletes all opened their fall campaigns with promising efforts on the Canton, New York campus course.

The University of Ottawa men placed seventh in the team standings, collecting 204 points in a field of 11. Fourth-year computer science student Zachary Sikka led the way, clocking 26:50.2 over the 8km route for 35th overall — an improvement of nearly two minutes and 16 places on his showing at the same meet last year. Sophomore Max Wilson followed close behind in 46th (27:06.5), with rookie Matteo Padoin-Castillo (74th), Russell Niedre (108th), and Theo Dai (128th) rounding out the scoring five.

Carleton was represented on the men’s side by freshman Duncan Gray, who crossed the line 56th in 27:58.5, while Lions masters runner Sam Shi placed 72nd in 28:39.8. Running in Queen’s colours, Saul Taler impressed in his Gaels debut, finishing 12th in 25:59.8. His performance added depth to the powerhouse Queen’s squad, which cruised to the team title with 30 points, 21 clear of second-place Middlebury.

On the women’s side, the Gee-Gees mirrored their male counterparts with a seventh-place finish, scoring 189 points. Freshman Ciara Villeneuve paced the group with a 51st-place finish in 25:10.8 over 6km, followed closely by fellow rookie Daphnee Houde in 67th. Senior Elliot Tyman (68th), Molly Taylor (76th), and Taylor Brown (82nd) completed the scoring order. Carleton’s top woman was first-year runner Chloe Ramadan, who finished just behind Villeneuve in 52nd with a time of 25:13.9.

Queen’s also flexed its depth in the women’s race, led by Elizabeth Vroom’s fourth-place effort in 22:15.0. Newcomer Tessa Knight added a 21st-place finish in her Gaels debut, helping Queen’s to silver medal team showing.

Meanwhile, in London, Ont., several Lions tested themselves at the Vigars & Salter Western Invitational. UNB rookie Bridget Jeffrey made an immediate impact, finishing 16th overall in the women’s 8km with a time of 30:35. Guelph’s Jocelyn Giannotti, coming off a standout track season, followed in 18th (30:42), while fellow Gryphon Nicolas Belan ran 27:02 for 43rd in the men’s race. McMaster’s Derek Stachan placed 53rd in 27:25.

The local cross country season continues this weekend with the Capital XC Challenge at Mooney’s Bay Park. The two-day event begins Friday with the Gryphon XC High School Open and concludes Saturday with the Eastern Elementary School Championship and the Open/University races.

Full details are available at ottawalions.com/capital-cross-country-challenge.

Lauren GALE (CAN) competes in the 400m heats at the World Athletics Championships, Tokyo September 14 2025

Gale Shines on Second Leg, Canada Finishes 13th in 4x400m Relay

by Internationallinkinbio

Lauren Gale closed out her World Athletics Championships on Saturday by anchoring Canada’s push in the women’s 4×400-metre relay. Running the second leg, the Lions sprinter produced the fastest split of her team as Canada battled through injuries and a deep field to record a season’s-best performance, though it wasn’t enough to advance to the final.

The Canadian women’s relay squad placed fifth in the second of two heats in Tokyo. Despite clocking 3 minutes 26.33 seconds, their fastest time of the year, Canada finished 13th overall and did not advance.

Gale took the baton from Zoe Sherar in seventh place and surged around the National Stadium. The two time Olympian delivered Canada’s fastest split of the evening and  the fourth-fastest among all second-leg runners, handing off to Alyssa Marsh in fourth place.

“It’s frustrating to not make a final,” said Gale following the heats. “We have the talent to be there and we should be there, but we gave it our all and I think we all got lactic trying our best.”

Canada's Maeliss Trapeau reacts after competing in women's 800 meters semifinal at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Friday, Sept. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Trapeau breaks 1:59 in 800m at World Championships

by Internationallinkinbio

Nearly 15 years after first pulling on an Ottawa Lions singlet as a 12-year-old, Maëliss Trapeau lined up this week on track and field’s biggest stage. The former University of Ottawa standout, who collected medals at both the OUA and U Sports levels before moving to France to push her running career forward, returned to represent Canada this summer. On Friday in Tokyo, she showed just how far that journey has taken her.

Trapeau ran a personal-best 1 minute 58.90 seconds to place sixth in her 800-metre semifinal, finishing 16th overall at her first World Athletics Championships. It was the best result by a Lions athlete at the World Athletics Championship since Tim Nedow’s ninth place in the shot put at the 2019 edition.

Her time makes her just the sixth Canadian woman to break the 1:59 barrier and brings her closer to the national and club record of 1:57.01 held by Melissa Bishop-Nriagu.

“I was feeling really good in the warmup. I was flying actually, so I was a little bit more stressed than yesterday,” Trapeau said. “Before the race, my coach told me I could do a 1:58.20. I did not, but I’m still happy that I did a 1:58. It’s a big PB.”

She added: “In the last hundred metres, a girl was beside me and I didn’t want her to pass me, so I pushed through to the end. Thanks to my family, both of my clubs, the French one [Club d’Athlétisme de Martigues] and the Canadian one. It’s really good to finish my season at the World Championships with a PB.”

Trapeau, who won the Canadian title in Ottawa this summer, was cleared to represent Canada after her transfer of allegiance from France was approved by World Athletics in August.

Earlier in the week, Lauren Gale equalled her best individual global Championship result with a 26th-place finish in the women’s 400 metres. Racing in the preliminary round, Gale placed fourth in her heat with a time of 51.56 seconds, falling just 0.19 seconds shy of a semifinal berth.

“The goal is always to make the final,” Gale said while waiting to see if she would advance on time. “It’s been a long season with a couple of injuries. So I’m just happy to be here and representing Canada is always an honour.”

Gale’s world championship is not over. She is expected to run on Canada’s 4×400-metre relay squad, with heats scheduled for Saturday morning at 7am Eastern time. The Canadians will need a top-three finish in their heat, or one of the two fastest remaining times, to move on to Sunday’s final where they will be looking to improve upon their sixth place finish at last year’s Olympic Games in Paris.

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Lions Honour Record-Breaking Season at 2025 Awards Banquet

by Clublinkinbio

Saturday night, under the lights of the Terry Fox Athletic Facility, provided an excellent opportunity to celebrate the many successes of the past year. From record-breaking sprints to dominant throws and championship-winning jumps, the evening highlighted both the club’s veteran stars and its next generation of rising talents.

Gale, Gyamfi, Jeggo, and Fraser Take Top Honours

The prestigious Gilbert Awards, presented annually to the club’s top athletes in track and field, once again showcased the Lions’ breadth of talent.

Lauren Gale, Canada’s premier 400-metre runner, earned Female Athlete of the Year (Track) for the fourth straight season. A multiple-time member of the national team in 2025, Gale helped Canada qualify both the mixed and women’s 4×400-metre relays to the World Athletics Championships, helping set a new national record in the mixed event. The Colorado State University graduate also earned a spot on her second World Championship team (Eugene 2022) after placing fourth over 400 metres at the Canadian Championships.

Jessica Gyamfi claimed her second straight Female Athlete of the Year (Field) award. The University of Ottawa nursing student enjoyed a breakthrough 2025 season highlighted by her first national team appointment and a bronze medal for Team Ontario in the shot put at the Canada Summer Games. After being named the University of Ottawa’s Female Athlete of the Year, Gyamfi capped her collegiate season by representing Canada at the World University Games in Germany. She also earned gold in discus at the Athletics Ontario Championships and produced a pair of top-five finishes at the Canadian Championships.

Zach Jeggo was named Male Athlete of the Year (Track) after a season that established him as one of the brightest young stars in Canadian athletics. The U20 standout won national gold in the 400-metre hurdles and bronze in the 400 metres, while anchoring the Lions’ U20 4×400-metre team to multiple Canadian club records. A first-year student at Simon Fraser University, Jeggo capped his summer with gold in the Canada Summer Games 4×400 relay and an individual silver in the 400 metres.

Connor Fraser earned Male Athlete of the Year (Field) for the second consecutive season following another strong year as one of Canada’s top discus throwers. The Carleton University student claimed silver at both the Canadian Championships and Canada Summer Games, added provincial gold in discus, and earned bronze in shot put at the Athletics Ontario Championships.

Rising Stars Shine

This year’s banquet also celebrated the future of the sport, with outstanding performers recognized in the U20, U18, and U16 divisions.

In the U20 division, Daniel Cova delivered one of the year’s most memorable performances. The Iona University student thrilled the home crowd at the Canadian Championships by dropping 40 seconds off his personal best in the 5,000 metres, earning silver in 14:24.12 — the second-fastest mark in club history. He also added a bronze medal in the 1,500 metres.On the women’s side, Jorai Oppong-Nketiah continued her rise as Canada’s next sprint star, sweeping the 100 and 200 metres at the national U20 championships.

Among U18 athletes, Eli Mordel etched his name into the Lions record books with club-best performances in both the 60 and 110-metre hurdles at the Canadian Indoor and Outdoor Championships. The Sir Robert Borden student also earned bronze in the pole vault at the Canadian Indoor U18 Championships. In her first season with the club, Ellie McGregor impressed with No. 4 all-time U18 marks in both the 600 and 800 metres. She finished the season ranked seventh nationally and contributed to the Lions’ 4×400-metre bronze at the Canadian U20 Championships.

At the U16 level, Maxime Cazabon dominated the jumps, winning national titles in both high jump and triple jump while setting a new club record in the latter. He also ranked among the nation’s best sprinters, setting a club record in the 60 metres and moving to No. 3 all-time over 100 metres before a hamstring injury sidelined his sprinting season. Alexandra Harris excelled on the endurance front, cracking the club’s all-time top 10 in the 3,000 metres at No. 9 and posting the 12th-best performance ever over 1,500 metres.

Masters and Specialty Awards

The club’s long-standing tradition of excellence extended well beyond youth and open competition.

In the Masters category, Wendy Alexis once again proved ageless, breaking world records in the W70 100 metres and indoor 200 metres while sweeping national and provincial titles. On the men’s side, J-Angelo Beraldin collected six national medals across the throws, including silver in shot put and bronzes in discus, hammer, javelin, weight throw, and the throws pentathlon.

On the cross-country front, Daniel Cova capped his remarkable season by being named top male following his OFSAA title and a team bronze with the U18 boys at the Canadian Championships. Salome Nyirarukundo earned top female honours after placing eighth at the Canadian Championships.

In combined events, Kyle London climbed to No. 3 all-time in the club’s U20 heptathlon rankings and claimed national silver despite a no-height in pole vault. Vienna Courteau finished top-eight at the USports Championships in the pentathlon and cracked the club’s all-time list.

Continuing a Legacy

This year’s awards banquet showcased not only the Lions’ leading performers but also the next generation beginning to make their mark. From national medals to club records, the season underlined the club’s continued strength across all levels of competition.

The club congratulates all 2025 award recipients for their extraordinary accomplishments and looks forward to another season of excellence in 2026.

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Lions Set to Celebrate a Record-Breaking Season at Annual Awards Banquet

by Clublinkinbio

Under the glow of the Terry Fox Athletic Facility lights, Ottawa Lions athletes and supporters will trade spandex and spikes for semi-formal attire next Saturday, September 13, as the club hosts its annual Awards Banquet to celebrate a remarkable season.

Among the feats to recognize this year are accomplishments that stretched from grassroots participation to the world stage. Membership grew to more than 1,600 athletes of all ages, while the Club hosted 26 competitions — highlighted by the return of the Canadian Championships to the Terry Fox Athletic Facility.

In total, Lions athletes brought home a total of 5 international medals, 71 national medals and 80 provincial medals, highlighted by U20 and Open team titles at the Ontario Championships. Along the way, two national club records and six masters world records were set, while 27 new age-class marks were added to the club’s all-time lists.

Honouring International Excellence

Among the highlights of the evening will be the presentation of the President’s Awards, given annually to those who have represented Canada internationally or competed at the Canada Summer Games. This year’s honourees include:

Coaches / IST

  • Glenroy Gilbert – World Indoor, World Relays, NACAC, World Outdoor Championships
  • Leslie Estwick – NACAC Championships
  • Sultana Frizell (IST) – Pan Am Junior Games
  • Gordon Cavé – Pan Am Junior Games
  • Amanda Fader – Canada Summer Games

Athletes

  • Lauren Gale – World Relays, NACAC, World Outdoor Championships
  • Maëliss Trapeau – World Outdoor Championships
  • Jessica Gyamfi – FISU Games, Canada Summer Games
  • David Moulongou – FISU Games
  • Doyin Ogunremi – FISU Games
  • Liam Davis – Canada Summer Games
  • Zachary Jeggo – Canada Summer Games
  • Connor Fraser – Canada Summer Games

These individuals embody the Lions’ tradition of excellence and will be recognized alongside club MVPs, volunteers, and officials who have made an impact throughout the season.

Event Details

Celebrations begin with cocktails at 5:00 p.m., followed by dinner, awards, and speeches starting at 6:30 p.m., with the program expected to wrap up around 9:30 p.m.

Tickets are $35 per person, and are on sale on Trackie until Wednesday, September 10 at 11:59 p.m. Guests can choose from grilled chicken, salmon, or a vegetarian entrée, each served with salad, rice, vegetables, and bread. Dietary restrictions may be shared during registration to ensure everyone enjoys the evening meal. Non-alcoholic beverages will be included, while wine and beer will be available for purchase.

Guests are encouraged to dress in business or cocktail attire for this semi-formal occasion. With the banquet taking place outdoors under canvas tents, complete with walls and heaters, attendees should be prepared for early fall weather, which can dip into the low teens.

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Gale, Trapeau Named to Team Canada for World Championships in Tokyo

by Internationallinkinbio

From Ottawa to Tokyo, two Lions are set to chase glory on track and field’s biggest stage. Lauren Gale and Maëliss Trapeau will don the maple leaf for Team Canada at the 2025 World Athletics Championships, joining the world’s best athletes inside Japan’s iconic National Stadium this September.

The championships, set for September 13–21, will bring more than 2,000 athletes from 200 countries back to the Japan National Stadium—host venue of the 2020 Olympic Games—for the first time since Tokyo last staged the event in 1991. For Team Canada head coach, and Lions Hall of Famer, Glenroy Gilbert, the return to Tokyo is something special.

“It’s an amazing facility. It’s an amazing stadium. It’s just been waiting for this opportunity to welcome the world back to where the athletes can run in front of a full stadium of spectators,” Gilbert said in the Athletics Canada’s team announcement. “I think the athletes will have a blast. They’ll enjoy it. I’m looking forward to seeing them put on an amazing world championships. To have full stadiums of spectators cheering our athletes on will be a real special added bonus for those athletes that were there four years ago.”

For Gale, Tokyo will mark her second World Championships appearance following her historic debut in Eugene, Oregon, in 2022, when she became the first Lion to contest two individual events on the world stage.

The Colorado State alumna is slated to compete in the open 400m and relays, events in which she has already made an impact this season. At the World Relays in May, Gale helped Canada qualify for both the women’s and mixed 4x400m events, running on a national record-setting mixed relay team. She owns a season’s best of 51.00 seconds, recorded at the Irena Szewińska Memorial in Poland, and most recently placed sixth at the NACAC Championships in the Bahamas.

Gale also has history in Tokyo, having been part of Canada’s 2020 Olympic team as a 4x400m alternate.

For Trapeau, Tokyo will be her first international outing in Canadian colours. The dual citizen previously represented France at the 2018 World U20 Championships before re-establishing herself in Ottawa.

A graduate of the University of Ottawa, Trapeau relocated to France after her studies to pursue the 800m. This year, she broke the two-minute barrier for the first time with a personal best of 1:59.09 in Toulouse, just shy of the World Championship standard of 1:59.00. Since rejoining the Lions in July, she has captured her first Canadian title. Just two weeks ago in Switzerland, she once again dipped under two minutes, clocking 1:59.86 at the Fribourg International Meeting.

To follow Lauren and Maëliss in Tokyo, you can catch all the action live on CBC Gem. Below is the event schedule (all times Eastern)

  • Mixed 4x400m Relay
    Heats – Friday, Sept. 12, 10:55 p.m.
    Final – Saturday, Sept. 13, 9:20 a.m.
  • Women’s 400m
    Heats – Sunday, Sept. 14, 6:25 a.m.
    Semifinal – Tuesday, Sept. 16, 8:05 a.m.
    Final – Thursday, Sept. 18, 9:24 a.m.
  • Women’s 800m
    Heats – Thursday, Sept. 18, 6:55 a.m.
    Semifinal – Friday, Sept. 19, 7:45 a.m.
    Final – Sunday, Sept. 21, 6:35 a.m.
  • Women’s 4x400m Relay
    Heats – Saturday, Sept. 20, 7:00 a.m.
    Final – Sunday, Sept. 21, 7:40 a.m.