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Alexis Sets Three World Records at World Masters Indoors; Maguire Medals Again

by InternationallinkinbioMasters

The World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships wrapped up this past weekend, and Ottawa Lions athletes made their presence felt on the global stage—none more so than Wendy Alexis, who celebrated her 70th birthday in unforgettable fashion.

Just two days after entering a new age category, Alexis delivered a jaw-dropping performance in the W65 200 metres preliminary round on last Thursday, clocking 30.68 seconds to set a new World Indoor Record for the W70 age group. Though entered in the W65 category—as age groups are based on the athlete’s age at the start of the championship—Alexis’ performance instantly rewrote the history books.

She wasn’t done.

Later that same day, Alexis dropped under the previous W70 record once again in the semi-finals and then sliced off another 0.35 seconds in the final, crossing the line in 30.33. Despite finishing fourth and narrowly missing a podium spot by just 0.03 seconds, Alexis left no doubt about her world-class speed. Prior to the Championships, the W70 record stood at 31.17 seconds

But Alexis’ crowning moment may have come in the relays, where she anchored Canada’s W65 4x200m team to a World Record. The team finished in 2:07.42, obliterating the previous mark of 2:09.74 and winning by nearly 10 seconds over the United States.

“Didn’t just break it — SMASHED IT! By 2.50 seconds,” Alexis shared via email about the team’s record setting run. “I was the anchor and I’m sure that was the fastest 200 I’ve ever run. I was flying! We all were! This has been a freakin’ amazing meet for me. I felt as if I could run down anybody!”

Alexis also helped Canada to silver in the mixed 4x200m relay, leading off a team that finished in 2:03.14, behind the USA’s 2:01.53.

“Back home tomorrow,” she added. “As exciting as this has been (huge adrenaline rush daily), I’m looking forward to some quieter time.”

Meanwhile, Liz Maguire continued her impressive form, picking up silver in the W55 1500m on Saturday. Her time of 4:59.48 was not only her fastest of the season but also her quickest since 2017. The race was won by Michelle Rohl of the USA, who set a championship record of 4:50.34. The result mirrored last year’s outdoor world championships, where Maguire also finished second behind Rohl.

Several other Ottawa Lions athletes were in action:

  • Michael Conway ran a personal best of 53.40 in the M40 400m, finishing 11th overall.
  • Mike McInerney placed 14th in the M55 1500m with a time of 4:58.10.
  • Lawrence Williams clocked 25.87 in the M50 200m, finishing 19th—just one spot shy of advancing to the semi-finals.

With multiple medals, world records, and season-best performances, the World Masters Championships proved that age is just a number—and the Lions continue to roar on the global stage.

Roy Races to First Provincial Medal

Back in Toronto, the next generation of Ottawa Lions athletes was making strides of their own at the Ontario U14 & Rising Stars Indoor Finale.

In the U14 girls 800m race walk, Penny Roy captured her first provincial medal, earning silver with a time of 5:09.27. The performance marked a significant improvement from her previous best, set earlier this month at the Quebec Indoor Championships, and capped off a strong indoor season for the young athlete.

(Ottawa, Canada---16 August 2023) Wendy Alexis competes in the 200m at Ottawa Summer Twilight Series Meet #11. Copyright 2023 Sean Burges / Mundo Sport Images.

Alexis Wins Gold, Maguire Adds Bronze at World Masters Indoor Championships

by InternationallinkinbioMasters

When most people hear you’re heading to Florida in March for a track and field meet, they assume you’re chasing an early start to the outdoor season — soaking up the sun and easing into competition. But for seven Ottawa Lions athletes, there’s no easing up. They’ve touched down in the Sunshine State for the World Masters Indoor Championships, and they’ve come to race.

Case in point, just three days into the Championship and Lions athletes have already set the Gainesville track on fire with a pair of medals and another top-8 finish.

Wendy Alexis gave herself an early birthday present on Monday — a world title. Just one day shy of turning 70, the Ottawa Lions sprinter stormed to gold in the W65 60 metres, clocking 8.95 seconds to edge Puerto Rico’s Marie-Lande Mathieu by just 0.07 in a thrilling final. It was her final day of eligibility in the age group, and she made it count — finishing just 0.15 seconds shy of the world record. The retired school teacher now adds another global title to her resume, having won the W65 100 metres at last summer’s outdoor championships.

Liz Maguire also reached the podium Monday, racing to bronze in the W55 800 metres. After winning her heat in 2:44.93 on Sunday, the three-time Canadian masters champion sped to an 2:32.40 in the final — her fastest indoor 800 since 2017 and her quickest overall since 2019. Maguire battled it out from the gun with Australia’s Caroline Fox with the pair never more than a step away from each other all race. The result also marked Maguire’s first global medal at the distance, following a silver in the 1500 meters at last year’s outdoor championships.

In the W40 division, Kimberley Howitt made a couple big steps in her running career. First, Howitt posted a lifetime best of 2:24.67 in the heats to nab the eighth and final qualifying spot. Then in Monday’s final, the 40-year-old ran another personal best in the final, finishing with a time of 2:23.73.

On the men’s side, Gilles Frenette was busy with a double. He placed 14th in the M45 800 metres heats (2:14.22) on Sunday and returned for another 14th-place finish in today’s 3,000 metres, crossing in 10:52.26. Mike McInerney finished 13th in the M55 800 metres, clocking 2:26.35.

The Lions are back in action on Wednesday as Lawrence Williams takes to the track in the M50 200m heats. Action continues through the weekend with the Championships wrapping up Sunday.

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Lions’ Leadership: Guiding Team Canada to Global Success in 2025

by Internationallinkinbio

Congratulations to Ottawa Lions coaches Glenroy Gilbert, Leslie Estwick, Gordon Cavé, and Darrin Reesal on being named to Team Canada positions for the 2025 competition year.

Glenroy Gilbert, Athletics Canada’s Head Coach, will guide Team Canada through a demanding international schedule, culminating with the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan next September. Before that, Gilbert will lead Canada at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, the World Relay Championships in Guangzhou, China, and the NACAC Championships. Gilbert’s steady leadership continues to be instrumental in shaping Canada’s track and field success on the world stage.

Leslie Estwick will serve as head coach at the NACAC Combined Events Championship in the United States. A veteran national team coach, Estwick’s appointment will be her first as a head coach of a national team. Previously, she served as head coach for Team Ontario at the 2022 Canada Games.

Gordon Cavé has been named sprints coach for the Pan Am Junior Games in Asuncion, Paraguay. This U23 competition marks yet another milestone in Cavé’s national team coaching journey, which includes previous assignments at the World Athletics U20 Championships and the NACAC Senior Championships.

Darrin Reesal will bring his expertise in throws to the Pan American U20 Championships  in 2025. This is Reesal’s second national team assignment, further showcasing his growing reputation as one of Canada’s premier throws coaches. His technical knowledge and passion for developing young talent will undoubtedly contribute to Canada’s success at the event.

Congratulations to all four coaches on these prestigious appointments! Your dedication and expertise continue to elevate both the Ottawa Lions and Canada’s presence on the international stage.

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Blazing Trails Indoors: Alie-Lamarche and Seaby Lead Lions’ Weekend Success

by InternationallinkinbioUniversity

Boston University’s Track and Tennis Center, known for its lightning-fast surface and supportive crowds, kicked off the indoor season with the BU Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener this past weekend. Renowned for producing personal bests and national records, the meet once again lived up to its reputation. Among the many stellar performances, Lions athletes André Alie-Lamarche and Maddie Seaby stood out, seizing the opportunity to showcase their talent on one of the world’s fastest tracks.

In the men’s 3000 metres, Alie-Lamarche ran a scintillating 8:01.96 to place 43rd overall. The performance, a personal best by over 12 seconds, vaulted him to seventh on the Club all-time list. It was a remarkable display of endurance and speed, made even more impressive by the fact that he had raced at the Canadian Cross Country Championships just a week prior.

Seaby, competing for the University of Louisville, set a new club standard in the women’s 5000 metres. Clocking a time of 16:22.39, the second year student improved her personal best by over 23 seconds, moving to fourth on the Lions’ all-time list and setting a new Club U20 record. Her time was the fastest by a Lions athlete in the event since Sarah Dillabaugh’s 16:16.12 in 2002. It also secured her a spot as the third-fastest runner in Louisville history, highlighting her continued rise on the collegiate stage.

While Alie-Lamarche and Seaby were making waves in Boston, Lions, Gee-Gees and Ravens competitors crossed the border for the Saints Holiday Relays in Canton, NY. At St. Lawrence University, in a commanding show of depth and talent, the collective amassed 14 victories in the 23 events they entered. 

Carleton’s Rosalie Lupien delivered one of the weekend’s standout performances by setting a Ravens record in the pole vault with a clearance of 3.50 metres. Balqis Chouikhi, also representing the Lions, matched the height but finished second on a countback.

On the track, University of Ottawa freshman Safwan El Mansari continued to assert himself among collegiate competitors, producing his second straight personal best at 600 metres – winning in 1:21.28. His performance places him third in the early season USports rankings and establishes him as a contender heading into the indoor season.

Sprinter Rose Basu continued her winning streak in the 60 metres, claiming victory in 7.86 seconds. She later led Carleton’s 4×200-metre relay team to a win in 1:50.06, a time that ranks among the top 10 in school history.

Field events also provided moments of dominance. Brianna Asiamah showcased her prowess in the shot put with a winning throw of 13.11 metres, well ahead of the competition.

In the triple jump, Carleton swept the titles, with Ella-Grace Gilbert capturing her second consecutive win (11.06 metres) and Osaze Osawe earning gold on the men’s side with a leap of 12.81 metres.

With momentum building, the Lions, Gee-Gees, and Ravens will set their sights on the Vert et Or Invitational in Sherbrooke this January, poised to continue their standout indoor campaigns.

For full results from Canton, please visit our results page.

Photos from the competition can be found on Mundo Sport Image’s website.

Update Club and School Rankings are also available.

Ottawa Lions All-Time Rankings
University of Ottawa All-Time Rankings
Carleton Ravens All-Time Rankings

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.

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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.

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.

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Lions Shine at Pan American Masters Games in Cleveland

by InternationallinkinbioMasters

A very small contingent of Lions athletes made a real large impact at the 2024 Pan American Masters Games in Cleveland, Ohio this month. With just three athletes in action, an impressive four medals including three gold came back to Ottawa. 

Wendy Alexis Dominates the W65 Category

Wendy Alexis showcased her speed and prowess on the track, clinching gold in both the 100m and 200m events in the Women’s 65 (W65) category. Alexis dominated the 100 metre field with her winning run of 14.54 seconds – crossing the line more than a second and a half ahead of her nearest competitors. At 200 metres, the nine-time Canadian Champion expanded her margin of victory with her time of 30.59 seconds putting nearly five seconds between her and her nearest competitor. 

Michael Conway Excels in Middle Distance Events

Michael Conway delivered stellar performances in the Men’s 40 (M40) category, securing gold in the 800m event. Conway dominated the M40 field, where his winning time of 2:05.40 was more than 25 seconds better than the silver medal runner from the United States. The Carleton University student ran so well he would have been a silver medalist in the M35 category. Additionally, Conway earned a silver medal in the 400m, finishing in 55.60 seconds – two seconds back of the winner from Brazil.

Also competing in Cleveland was Michel Smith in the M50 category. Smith placed 16th in the 100 metres and 14th over 200 metres.

Full results from the Games are available on our website.

(Toronto, Canada---16 July 2023) Nicolas Belan of Ottawa Lions T.F.C. races in the 800m at the 2023 Athletics Ontario Junior/Senior Championships held at the Metro Toronto Track and Field Center. Photograph Copyright 2023 Sean Burges / Mundo Sport Images.

Belan Betters World U20 Standard in Hamilton

by Internationallinkinbio

On Friday night in Hamilton, 18-year-old Nicolas Belan took a significant step towards achieving a feat accomplished by only two other Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club members. Belan ran a personal best time of 3 minutes and 46.87 seconds for 1500 metres, surpassing the qualifying standard for the upcoming World Athletics U20 Championships. However, the race did not proceed exactly as planned.

After narrowly missing the 1500 metre standard for the World Athletics U20 Championships at the Johnny Loaring Classic almost two weeks ago, Belan saw Thursday night’s 1500m Night in Hamilton as a prime opportunity to break the 3:48.00 barrier. However, unexpected storms, which had delayed the final minutes of the Redblacks game, rolled through Hamilton, pushing the final five heats of the 1500 metres to Friday night.

Despite the weather-induced delay and the need for extra warm-ups and cool-downs, Belan stayed focused and did what he has done best this year—run faster.

Belan, who will be attending the University of Guelph, began competing for the Club in the summer of 2022, finishing the season with a personal best of 4:13.42. Over the next twelve months, his dedication and hard work paid off as he made the OFSAA final, qualified for the Canadian Championships, and shaved 16.5 seconds off his best time.

Taking a gap year after graduating from Canterbury High School, Belan has continued to excel, achieving four personal bests in five races this season, both indoors and outdoors. His consistent improvement raises the question of just how much faster he can go.

With two other Canadian runners also surpassing the World U20 standard, Belan may need yet another personal best at the upcoming Canadian Championships to secure one of the two spots on the team heading to Lima, Peru at the end of August.

If successful, Belan would become only the third Lion to represent Canada over 1500 metres at the World U20 Championships, joining Jenni Biewald (2006) and 2004 finalist Mike Woods.

(Windsor, Canada---02 June 2024) Lauren Gale races to win the 400m in meet record time at the 2024 Johnny Loaring Classic held at the University of Windsor. The competition is part of the Athletics Canada National Track and Field Tour and the World Athletics Continental Tour. Photograph Copyright 2024 Sean Burges / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Gale Surpasses Olympic Standard Again in Edmonton Victory

by InternationallinkinbioLocal

She does it again. For the second time in nine days, Lauren Gale dipped under the qualifying standard for this summer’s Olympic Games. Racing at the Edmonton Athletics Invitational Thursday, Gale roared around the track at the University of Alberta’s Foote Field in a blazing 50.83 seconds to take home the gold. 

Gale can guarantee her spot in Paris with a win at the upcoming Canadian Olympic Trials in Montreal scheduled for the end of the month. She is currently ranked as Canada’s fastest runner over 400 metres, having produced the fastest time by a Canadian in over 30 years last week when she set a new Club record at the Royal City Inferno. 

Also in Edmonton yesterday, David Adeleye made his return to the track after a fall at the Johnny Loaring Classic in Windsor. The recent University of Toronto graduate placed eighth in the 110 metre hurdles with a time of 14.09 seconds. 

On the other side of the Atlantic yesterday, Bianca Borgella continued her preparation for the Canadian Trials and Paralympic Games with a silver medal run in Paris. Competing at the IPC Grand Prix event in the French capital, Borgella battled a stiff -2.1 metres per second head wind as she crossed the line in a time of 12.28. The double medalist at last year’s World Championship is currently the top ranked 100 metre runner in the T13 category.

Closer to home, Twilight Meet #2 took place Wednesday night with 59 personal bests being set by Lions athletes. Two athletes in particular shone in the 300 metres, with both Stephan Balson and Ange-Mathis Kramo producing all-time top 10 marks. Balson won the event in a time of 34.58 seconds to move to eighth on the U20 list while Kramo finished second in 34.97 to sit fourth on the U18 list. 

Results from Twilight Meet #2 are available on our website.

Photos from Twilight Meet #2 are available on Mundo Sport Images website.

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