OTTAWA — Two Ottawa Lions athletes will represent Canada on the global stage next month, as Zachary Jeggo and Lauren Gale were named to the national team for the upcoming World Athletics Relays in Gaborone, Botswana.
For the veteran Gale, Wednesday’s selection marks her third consecutive selection to the World Relays. In contrast, Jeggo’s appointment represents a breakthrough moment — his first national team selection at any level, and another stepping stone in a remarkable freshman campaign at Simon Fraser University.
“I was really surprised,” Jeggo said via email following the Athletics Canada announcement. “A senior national team wasn’t on my 2026 bingo card, that’s for sure. I called one of my closest buddies first to break the news, and honestly, I just couldn’t believe it.”
The honours continued through the day for the first-year standout, who was recognized later Wednesday as both Male Freshman of the Year and Lorne Davies Male Athlete of the Year for Individual Sport at Simon Fraser, following an exceptional debut season.
Jeggo described the day as “hectic” and “pretty surreal,” after being named to Team Canada and earning multiple major awards at Simon Fraser. He credited his teammates and friends for their support, adding that he was grateful to share the moment with them.
Jeggo’s rise has been one of the most compelling stories of the indoor season. Competing in the 400 metres, the Ottawa native announced himself on the national stage earlier this year with a Canadian U20 indoor record performance of 46.72 seconds at the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Championships — a time that positioned him among the top young quarter-milers in the country.
His progression from club standout to NCAA contributor has been rapid, but representing Canada marks a new level.
“Honestly, it means everything,” Jeggo said of his appointment. “I’m glad to be Canadian and to now represent the country at one of the biggest stages, which really means a lot to me. I always trained with the hope of someday making it, and now it’s about to become a reality.”
Set to compete in a relay environment, Jeggo will make the transition from individual racing to team competition — a dynamic he embraces.
“I think the aspect of having a team is something unique in this sport,” he said. “For once, you aren’t just running for yourself but the other three people on the team. For me, I just want to do my job and get the baton around the oval as quickly as possible to give my teammates and I a shot at winning.”
The World Relays will also serve as a key stepping stone as he builds toward a possible spot on Team Canada at the World U20 Championships later this summer.
“I just want to go out there and compete to the best of my ability and show why I’ve been selected,” Jeggo said of his selection to the mixed 4x400m pool. “Gaining that experience will help me better myself as an athlete and a person as well. Anything can happen over the course of the season, and there is tons of good competition, so hopefully I can keep the ball rolling and make that U20 team.”
While Jeggo prepares for his international debut, Gale returns to familiar territory as one of Canada’s most experienced relay contributors in the 4x400m. The Ottawa Lions veteran has been a consistent presence on national teams since 2021 when she was named to her first Olympic team.
At last year’s event in China, Gale was instrumental in helping both the women’s and mixed 4×400 metre relay squads qualify for the World Championships in Tokyo.
“Excited and always honoured to represent Canada at a World event,” Gale shared in a recent social media post following the announcement. “Here’s a preview — coming to you soon Botswana.”
With a blend of emerging talent and veteran leadership, the Lions duo will look to make their mark in Gaborone, where strong performances could punch Canada’s ticket to either this year’s World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest or next year’s World Athletics Championships in Beijing.
