(Ottawa, Canada---01 August 2025) Mallea McMullin competes on Day 3 of the Canadian Track and Field Championships presented by Bell at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility. Copyright 2025 Miles Ryan / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Lions Athletes Rewrite the Record Books at National Capital Classic

by High Schoollinkinbio

OTTAWA — Less than a week away from the city conference championships, Lions athletes delivered a number of standout performances at the National Capital Classic Day 1 Meet. Among the highlights were a 41-year-old school record, a pair of meet records in the pole vault and a record setting performance from a two-time defending provincial champion.

Megan Paterson of Carleton Place was the story of the field events. The junior discus thrower broke a school record that had stood since 1985, launching the one kilogram disc 35.77 metres. Paterson’s winning throw also moved her to fifth on the club’s all-time U18 list and set a new meet standard. She wasn’t done there, adding a win in the javelin and silver in the shot put to show she will be ready for next week’s Lanark County Championships.

Mallea McMullin, a two-time defending OFSAA javelin champion, reinforced her status as one of the region’s premier throwers with a meet record in the senior girls javelin. The Louis-Riel standout dominated the event, launching the 600 gram javelin out to 41.84 metres to surpass the previous standard of 39.20 metres set in 2007 and finishing nearly 15 metres clear of the field. Showing her range across the throws, McMullin also captured gold in the discus.

Emerging star Anabelle Muir cleared 3.46 metres in the girls open pole vault to set a meet record and move to third on the club’s all-time U18 list. Muir’s clearance is more than a foot above last year’s junior girls OFSAA winning height. The grade 10 Glebe student also placed second in the junior girls 300 metre hurdles.

Eli Mordel of Sir Robert Borden was equally dominant in the boys open pole vault, clearing 4.20 metres to break his own meet record. The senior also won the 110 metre hurdles in a windy  14.16 seconds and took top spot in the long jump.

Roan Gerth had a day to remember in the distance and hurdles events. The grade nine Glebe student won the girls 300 metre hurdles in 49.48 seconds to set a meet record, a performance that now ranks 10th on the club’s all-time U16 list. She also won the open 2000 metre steeplechase in 7:56.39, to rank fifth all-time for club U16 athletes. Gerth finished the day off with a third-place finish in the 1500 metres.

The steeplechase was full of great performances for Lions athletes. Kai Lebel finished third in the boys event in 6:52.60 to rank second all-time among club U16 athletes. On the girls side, Keira Ganton and Anika Zahab finished fourth and fifth respectively, with their times slotting them sixth and seventh on the club’s all-time U16 list.

Roxy Gardiner of Sir Robert Borden rounded out the notable performances, placing first in the girls open triple jump with a mark of 11.13 metres that moves her to eighth on the club’s all-time U18 list. The grade 11 student also took top spot in the high jump at 1.50 metres. 

Full meet results are available on our website.

(Ottawa, Canada---11 June 2025) Elizabeth Vroom at Ottawa Summer Twilight Meet Two. Photograph Copyright 2025 Sean Burges / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Vroom Leads Lions at Run to Empower

by linkinbioLocal

OTTAWA — Eyes were on the pavement last weekend as a number of Ottawa Lions runners competed at the Run to Empower event at the Central Experimental Farm. Dedicated to supporting and advancing women’s running in Canada, the event featured a pair of 5-kilometre races.

Competing in the Ottawa’s Fastest Women section, Elizabeth Vroom led the Lions contingent with a 12th-place finish in 17:19. With the performance, the Queen’s University student moved to sixth on the club’s all-time list for the distance.

Finishing five spots back was Jocelyn Giannotti, who crossed the line in 17:45.

Fellow Lion Isla Kittmer also delivered a strong performance, placing 20th overall in 18:15. The Grade 10 student was the top U20 finisher in the race and established new club records in both the U18 and U20 categories.

Another young Lion, Keira Gratton, also turned in a notable performance in the featured women’s race. The Grade 9 student from Maplewood Secondary School placed 45th overall in 19:20, moving to fourth all-time in club history among U16 athletes at the distance.

Meanwhile, in the Run to Empower 5K section, Jaiden Taft delivered a 28-second personal best to finish fifth overall in 17:10. The performance moves Taft to fourth on the club’s all-time U16 boys rankings.

Down the 401 in Toronto, Zoe Gardiner was the second woman across the line at the Toronto Half-Marathon. The University of Ottawa medical student made a strong debut at the distance, crossing the finish line in 1:20:45 — just 1:34 behind race winner Kathleen Devine of Toronto.

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Gale Leads Canada to Bronze at World Relays in Gaborone

by Internationallinkinbio

GABORONE, Botswana — Lauren Gale delivered a standout performance on the world stage Sunday, helping Canada capture bronze in the women’s 4×400-metre relay at the World Athletics Relays.

The Canadian quartet crossed the line in 3:22.66, the fifth-fastest time in national history, behind Norway’s world-leading 3:20.96 and Spain, which finished second.

Running the second leg, Gale once again proved pivotal. After clocking 50.14 in Saturday’s preliminary round, the two-time Olympian returned with a 50.17 split in the final — the fastest of the Canadian squad. She surged to the front early in her leg and controlled the race through much of the backstretch before a late charge from a tightly packed field, including sub-50 efforts from Norway, Great Britain & Northern Ireland, and the Netherlands, shifted the order in the closing metres.

Still, the result marked a significant milestone for both Gale and the Ottawa Lions program.

“It’s a crazy feeling,” Gale said following the race. “I’m very proud to have ‘World medalist’ on my resume now.”

The medal makes Gale just the fourth athlete in club history to reach the podium at a World Athletics Championship, joining a distinguished group that includes Ann Peel, Glenroy Gilbert, and Melissa Bishop-Nriagu.

Canada’s bronze continues a run of success in the event, following another third-place finish at the 2024 World Relays. Sunday’s performance also edges Canada closer to the elusive national record of 3:21.21, set at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

For Gale, Sunday’s result reflects both the progression and potential of the relay program.

“I think we were all healthy and really ready to run fast,” she said of the team’s performance on Sunday. “We had a goal and we wanted it. We have a great team and don’t get to run together super often, so when we do and we perform well, it’s a great feeling.”

Canadian head coach Glenroy Gilbert, who is also Gale’s personal coach, pointed to a noticeable shift in her approach this season.

“She’s running with a bit more hunger and desire to really break out of that sub-51 range and get more consistent in the low 50s,” Gilbert said from Botswana. “You’re seeing somebody who’s finding her way.”

That upward trajectory was evident throughout the weekend. Despite coming off a demanding training block, Gale backed up her preliminary effort with another strong run in the final.

“My confidence is definitely up,” Gale added. “I would have loved to see [my split] drop under 50 seconds, but it’s only May. Hopefully that will come.”

With a world championship medal now secured and momentum on her side, Gale’s performance in Gaborone offers a glimpse of what could be in store as the season progresses, with June’s national championships in Ottawa and the Commonwealth Games in Scotland ahead.

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Jeggo, Gale Set for World Relays as Lions Represent Canada in Botswana

by Internationallinkinbio

GABORONE, Botswana — Two Ottawa Lions athletes will represent Canada on the global stage this weekend as Zachary Jeggo and Lauren Gale are in Botswana with Team Canada for the World Athletics Relays.

The two-day competition, which begins Saturday, serves as a key qualification meet for both this year’s World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest and the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing.

Jeggo enters the championships in the midst of a breakthrough 2026 campaign. The Simon Fraser freshman set a Canadian U20 indoor record of 46.72 seconds over 400 metres earlier this year and followed it up with a seasonal best of 46.97 outdoors two weeks ago at the Bryan Clay Invitational in Azusa, California.

Making his senior national team debut, Jeggo is one of men vying for two spots on Canada’s mixed 4×400-metre relay squad. He is joined by Alberta’s Ryder Ratee, who won the Canadian U20 title ahead of Jeggo last summer in Ottawa, and British Columbia’s Nathan George, the 2025 Canadian senior silver medallist.

Gale, meanwhile, returns as a key member of Canada’s women’s 4×400-metre relay pool. The Ottawa Lions standout brief outdoor season already includes a victory in Miami and a seasonal best of 51.24 seconds.

A veteran of multiple global relay teams, Gale competed at last year’s World Relays in Guangzhou, China, where she was a critical member of Canada’s efforts in both the women’s and mixed 4×400-metre events. She helped the mixed relay squad secure World Athletics Championships qualification in the second round and was part of the team that placed seventh in the women’s 4×400-metre final.

That experience has helped shape her role within Canada’s relay program.

“I’ve learned what Team Canada looks for in terms of handoffs, race execution and working as a team,” Gale said when she was named to the team in April. “Relays make it feel more like a team sport, and you learn what works best for the group.”

With several new faces in the relay pool this season, Gale also sees herself stepping into a more prominent role.

“It’s weird to think I’m a veteran now,” she said. “I remember being one of the youngest members on the team… and now I am the veteran, so I think I would like to contribute in any way I can to help the team.”

The stakes in Gaborone extend well beyond podium finishes. The top six teams in the mixed 4×100-metre and mixed 4×400-metre events will secure automatic qualification for the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, while 12 teams in each relay discipline will advance to the 2027 World Athletics Championships.

Qualification opportunities will be available across both days of competition. The top teams from each heat will advance to the finals and secure World Championships berths, while additional places remain available through a second-round qualification race.

With global championship berths on the line, the World Relays once again provide a proving ground for the world’s top relay programs, and an opportunity for emerging athletes like Jeggo and established performers like Gale to make their mark.

Schedule (All times EST)
Saturday, May 2
8:30 AM Mixed 4x400m Qualifying Round 1
9:55 AM Women’s 4x400m Qualifying Round 1

Sunday, May 3
8:20 AM Mixed 4x400m World Ch. Qualifying Round 2
8:44 AM Women’s 4x400m World Ch. Qualifying Round 2
10:13 AM Mixed 4x400m FINAL
10:40 AM Women’s 4x400m FINAL

Watch live on CBC Gem

(Ottawa, Canada---02 August 2025) /Volunteer/ competes on Day 4 of the Canadian Track and Field Championships presented by Bell at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility. Copyright 2025 Miles Ryan / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Volunteer Recruitment Underway for 2026 Canadian Track and Field Championships in Ottawa

by ClublinkinbioNational

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club is calling on the community to be part of one of Canada’s premier sporting events, as preparations ramp up for the 2026 Canadian Track and Field Championships, set to take place June 17–21 at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility.

Organizers are seeking volunteers to help deliver the national championship event, which will bring together the country’s top athletes competing for national titles and international team selection.

Volunteers will play a critical role across a wide range of areas, including event operations, athlete services, and spectator support. Opportunities are available for individuals of all experience levels, with flexible shifts throughout the five-day competition.

“Hosting a national championship takes a full team effort,” said Ryan Rowat, Chair of the Local Organizing Committee. “Our volunteers are at the heart of the event — creating a welcoming environment for athletes and helping ensure everything runs smoothly from start to finish.”

The championships are expected to draw nearly 2,000 athletes, coaches, and officials from across the country, along with spectators and supporters, making it one of the largest track and field events hosted in Ottawa.

Volunteers will gain behind-the-scenes experience at a high-performance sporting event while playing an active role in delivering one of Canada’s premier track and field competitions.

Those interested in volunteering can register online at: Volunteer Sign Up

(Ottawa, Canada---11 July 2025) Rose Basu competes in Ottawa Summer Twilight Meet #6 & CTFL Final at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility. Copyright 2025 Miles Ryan / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Kramo, Basu Lead Record-Breaking Night for Lions at SLU Twilight Invite

by ClublinkinbioUniversity

CANTON, N.Y. — Ange-Mathis Kramo and Rose Basu delivered record-breaking performances to lead the Ottawa Lions at Friday night’s SLU Twilight Invite, highlighting a strong showing at the Merrick-Pinkard Track & Field Complex.

Kramo produced the performance of the meet in the men’s 100 metres, surging to a personal best of 10.57 seconds to win in a photo finish over Plattsburgh State’s Charles Cypress. The time shaved 0.14 seconds off his previous best and broke the meet record set just one year ago.

The 17-year-old had already shown his form earlier in the evening, running 10.84 in the heats before delivering his breakthrough in the final. Kramo was unable to finish the 200 metres after pulling up with a minor hamstring strain.

On the women’s side, Basu matched the record-breaking theme with a dominant sprint double. The 20-year-old captured the 100 metres in 12.12, edging St. Lawrence’s Ella Baker by 0.01 seconds while lowering the meet record of 12.28 set by former Lion Tori McIntyre in 2023.

Basu had equaled the previous standard earlier in the heats before returning to claim the title, then added a convincing victory in the 200 metres, clocking 25.66 to win by more than a second and a half.

Sharelle Samuel added a third meet record on the night in her debut over 800 metres. Taking control from the gun, Samuel pulled away from the field to win in 2:19.05, more than two seconds inside the previous meet mark, and crossed the line over 14 seconds clear of her nearest competitor.

In the women’s 3000-metre steeplechase, Tessa Knight placed second in 11:44.99, a performance that moves her to fifth all-time on the club’s U20 list.

The Lions also showed depth in the sprint events, with James Compeau and William Harris finishing second and third in the men’s 200 metres in 22.69 and 23.10, respectively, while battling strong headwinds.

In the distance events, André Alie-Lamarche (4:13.94) and Saul Taler (4:14.15) placed fourth and fifth in a competitive elite mile section.

Also on Friday, Emily Brennan set a personal best of 25.27 in the 200 metres at the Denison Big Red Invitational in Ohio before helping Denison University lower its school record in the 4×100 relay for the second time in recent weeks.

At the Clark Wood Invitational in Louisville, Ky., Grace Streek made a strong debut over the 3000-metre steeplechase, running 10:54.94 to move to No. 3 all-time on the club’s U20 list.

On the roads, Joshua Cassidy bookended a busy week with a pair of performances on the international stage, finishing 15th at Monday’s Boston Marathon in 1:32:37 before placing 13th at the London Marathon in 1:37:02 this morning.

(Ottawa, Canada---01 August 2025) Jorai Oppong-Nketiah competes on day four of the Athletics Canada 2025 Bell Trials Canadian Track and Field Championships. Photograph Copyright 2025 Sean Burges / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Oppong-Nketiah, Kramo Lead Record-Breaking Day at Ravens Relays

by High Schoollinkinbio

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Lions officially kicked off the capital’s high school track and field season Thursday, hosting the Ravens Relays at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility.

With more than 1,000 entries, the meet once again served as an early-season benchmark for athletes across the region — and a strong opening statement from Lions athletes.

In total, club athletes combined for four meet records and more than 100 personal best performances over the course of the day.

Leading the way were the sprinters as both the girls and boys varsity 100 metre records fell to Lions athletes.

On the women’s side, Jorai Oppong-Nketiah, who delivered a dominant performance in the senior girls’ 100 metres. The Louis-Riel standout twice dipped under the previous meet standard – first running 12.18w in the heats before setting the official mark of 12.13 in the final. 

On the boys’ side, Ange-Mathis Kramo of Paul-Desmarais matched the meet record set by Lion Stephan Balson two years ago with his time of 10.85 seconds. Training partner Ayoub Shangai finished a hair behind in 10.90 seconds. Impressive for the three performances is they were all set without the use of starting blocks. 

In an early test of her speed, 800 metre star Ellie McGregor was the class of the varsity girls 400 metres. The grade 11 student from Immaculata finished 40 metres clear of the field, crossing the line in 57.40 seconds to better the previous record of 57.84 set last year by Lion Quinn Coughlin.

Middle-distance strength was also on display, highlighted by Jake Claydon-St. John of John McCrae. Competing in the junior varsity boys 800 metres, Claydon-St. John ran 2:05.97 to establish a new meet record by over a second and a half. He also posted a third place finish over 400m. 

Another record nearly fell In the varsity boys 110-metre hurdles where Taisei Tan dominated the field with a 14.17 second clocking to win by nearly two seconds. Unfortunately for Tan, the wind was a hair above the legal limit at 2.1 m/s. Tan was also dominant in the 300 metre hurdles, posting a time of 39.14 seconds – nearly four seconds ahead of his nearest competitor. 

The high school season continues this week with the uOttawa High School Invitational as the athletes build towards the NCSSAA Conference Championships the week of May 11th.

Jorai_Wendy

Oppong-Nketiah, Alexis Honoured by Athletics Canada for 2025 Seasons

by ClublinkinbioMastersNational

OTTAWA — Ottawa Lions athletes Jorai Oppong-Nketiah and Wendy Alexis were recognized this week by Athletics Canada for their performances during the 2025 season.

Oppong-Nketiah was named the recipient of the Myrtle Cook Trophy for the second consecutive year, awarded to Canada’s top U18 female athlete. Alexis earned the Earl Fee Track Athlete of the Year (Masters) honour for the first time in her career following a record-setting campaign.

Oppong-Nketiah’s season was highlighted by her performance at the Canadian Track and Field Championships, where she captured gold in both the 100 and 200 metres to complete the U20 sprint double. Posting times of 11.44 in the 100m and 23.54 in the 200m, Jorai ranked among the top U18 performers globally in 2025.

The 100-metre victory marked her second consecutive national U20 title in the event, placing her within one of the Canadian record for most consecutive wins. Still in the early stages of her career, Oppong-Nketiah continued to establish herself as one of Canada’s top sprint prospects.

Alexis, competing in the W70 category, delivered one of the most outstanding seasons in Canadian masters athletics history. She lowered the W70 world record in the 100 metres three times during the outdoor season, including a mark of 14.54 seconds at the Canadian Track and Field League Final in Ottawa.

Her success began during the indoor season, where she won a title over 60 metres and set a W70 world indoor record in the 200 metres. Alexis also contributed to a world-record performance as part of Canada’s 4×200-metre relay team at last year’s World Indoor Championships.

(Montreal, Canada---27 June 2024) Maddie Seaby 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

Seaby Breaks U23 Club Record to Lead Lions at Bryan Clay Invitational

by linkinbioUniversity

AZUSA — Maddie Seaby delivered a historic performance last Thursday night in her debut over 10,000 metres, setting a new Ottawa Lions U23 club record to headline a strong weekend for the club across North America.

Competing at the prestigious Bryan Clay Invitational in Azusa, CA Seaby crossed the line in 33:49.15 to finish sixth in the second section. The performance not only established a new U23 club record, but also ranks as the second-fastest time in school history.

Making her first-ever appearance at the distance, the University of Louisville student showed composure throughout, positioning herself among some of the top collegiate and post-collegiate distance runners in North America.

Also at Azusa, Zachary Jeggo continued his strong start to the outdoor campaign, clocking 46.97 seconds in the 400 metres. The performance marked his fastest time of the young outdoor season as the Simon Fraser freshman heads to Botswana this weekend for the World Relay Championships.

Veteran middle-distance runner Stephen Evans opened his outdoor season with a solid showing in the 800 metres, finishing in 1:50.94. 

(Canton, United States---05 December 2025) Safwan El Mansari at the Saints Holiday Relays held in Newell Field House on the campus of St. Lawrence University. Copyright 2025 Miles Ryan / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

El Mansari, McIntyre, Harris Honoured at Gee-Gees Awards Banquet

by linkinbioUniversity

OTTAWA — Ottawa Lions athletes were front and centre at the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees’ annual awards banquet, held Tuesday evening at the National Arts Centre, as three members of the track and field program captured major honours.

Middle-distance standout Safwan El Mansari headlined the evening, earning Male Athlete of the Year honours following a breakthrough campaign that saw him emerge as one of the top talents in U SPORTS.

El Mansari’s season was highlighted by a pair of silver medals at the U SPORTS Championships last month. Individually, El Mansari set a school record of 1:18.12 over 600 metres en route to his national medal. The second-year Commerce/Law student also played a key role on the Gee-Gees’ 4×400-metre relay squad, powering the quartet to their first national medal in 13 years, contributing to an OUA championship record and a school-record run earlier in the season.  

First-year student Sophie McIntyre was recognized as Female Rookie of the Year after an impressive debut campaign in the Garnet and Grey. A key contributor on the Gee-Gees’ relay teams, McIntyre quickly established herself as one of the program’s top long sprinters, posting the team’s fastest times in the 600 metres and earning a place in the OUA final. Her season-best performance of 1:34.31 ranks among the top 15 all-time in the program’s deepest event.  

William Harris was awarded the prestigious President’s Award, presented annually to student-athletes who best combine academic and athletic excellence. Harris posted an outstanding 9.40 GPA in Translational and Molecular Medicine while playing a central role on the record setting 4×400-metre relay program.

Additional honours presented on the evening included cross country MVP awards for Zach Sikka and Zoe Gardiner, as well as track and field MVP recognition for El Mansari and Jessica Gyamfi.