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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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Small but Mighty: Ottawa Lions Impress at Canadian Masters Indoors

by linkinbioMastersNational

A small but mighty group of Ottawa Lions athletes delivered a number of standout performances at the 2025 Canadian Masters Indoor Track and Field Championships this past weekend, bringing home multiple national titles and podium finishes from the James Daly Fieldhouse on the University of Manitoba campus.

Leading the charge was Lawrence Williams, who captured two national titles in the M50 category, winning gold in both the 400m (59.41) and 200m (25.69). Williams also added a silver medal in the 60m (8.05), further showcasing his sprinting versatility.

Sam Shi also excelled in the distance events, securing gold in both the M30 1500m (4:40.49) and 3000m (9:50.46). Shi dominated both races, winning the 1500m by more than 50 seconds and the 3000m by over two and a half minutes.

In the field, J-Angelo Beraldin made his mark in the throws with a pair of medals in the M65 category. After earning a silver in Saturday’s shot put competition (9.80m), Beraldin upgraded to gold in the weight throw on Sunday, launching the 20-pound ball out to 11.60 metres—winning by more than two metres.

These strong individual performances contributed to an impressive showing for the Ottawa Lions at the championships, as the club finished 11th overall in the team standings.

Ottawa Lions Medalists at the 2025 Canadian Masters Indoor Championships:

  • Lawrence Williams (M50) – Gold, 400m (59.41)
  • Lawrence Williams (M50) – Gold, 200m (25.69)
  • Lawrence Williams (M50) – Silver, 60m (8.05)
  • Sam Shi (M30) – Gold, 1500m (4:40.49)
  • Sam Shi (M30) – Gold, 3000m (9:50.46)
  • J-Angelo Beraldin (M65) – Gold, Weight Throw (11.60m)
  • J-Angelo Beraldin (M65) – Silver, Shot Put (9.80m)

(Ottawa, Canada---26 November 2022) Liz Maguire (1560-- FAXCXM) competing in the 2022 Athletics Canada Cross Country Championships. Photograph Copyright 2022 Miles Ryan / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Maguire and Lebel Lead Lions on Day One of Ontario Championships

by linkinbioMastersProvincial

The opening day of the Athletics Ontario Cross Country Championships at Lakeridge Links Golf Club in Whitby featured standout performances from the Ottawa Lions’ small but mighty contingent. The highlights of the day came from Liz Maguire and Ronan Lebel, who each reached the podium in their respective races.

Liz Maguire defended her W55 provincial cross country title in commanding fashion, claiming her second consecutive crown. The World Championship silver medalist completed the 5km course in 19 minutes and 23 seconds, finishing more than a minute ahead of runner-up Christy Barber of the Toronto Harriers.

In the W40 race, Kimberley Howitt delivered a strong performance, crossing the line in 20:36 to secure fifth place. On the men’s side, Mike McInerney clocked 20:05 to finish eighth in the M55 category.

Continuing his podium streak, Ronan Lebel earned bronze in the U12 Boys’ 2km race, marking his third medal in as many years at the provincial cross country championships. The 10-year-old crossed the line in 6:13, while teammate Eric Combasson placed 49th in 7:26.

Mélina Hamel capped off a strong cross-country season with a seventh-place finish in the Senior Women’s 8km, completing the course in 29:55.

In the Senior Men’s 8km, Zachary Sikka led the Lions with a 21st-place finish in 25:44. He was closely followed by Ken Lorbetskie (37th, 27:03) and Oliver Waddington (38th, 27:04), who battled to the finish line together.

In the U10 Girls’ 1km, Lisa Yakhlef was the top Lions finisher, taking 16th place in 4:42. Meanwhile, in the U10 Boys’ 1km, Jakob Goguen placed 22nd in 4:49, rounding out the Lions’ efforts on day one.

Live results can be found on Race Roster

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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.

(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.

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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.

(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.

Lions Shine with Double-Digit Medal Haul at Ontario Masters Championships

by linkinbioMastersProvincial

Despite fielding just eight athletes, the Ottawa Lions made a significant impact at last weekend’s Ontario Masters Championships. The team brought home a total of 14 medals over the two-day event, including seven gold, with every Lion earning a spot on the podium.

Leading the charge was Wendy Alexis, one of Canada’s most decorated sprint champions. Alexis, a 30-time national champion, secured double gold in the W65 100m and 200m events. Her winning time of 14.44 seconds in the 100m ranks as the third fastest in the world this year, while her 200m time of 30.08 seconds is the second fastest globally, setting her up for success at this summer’s World Championship.

Fellow sprinter Danette Nearing-Guibord also dominated the W60 category, winning both the 100m and 200m titles. Her victories, with times of 17.68 and 38.70 seconds respectively, bring her career total to six championships.

In the middle-distance events, Andrew Heffernan proved unstoppable in the M35 category, capturing gold in both the 1500m and 800m races. Liz Maguire added to the gold tally with a stellar performance in the W55 5000m.

The Lions’ success extended beyond the top podium finishes. Gilles Frenette earned silver medals in the M45 1500m and 800m events, while Mike McInerney took silver in the M55 1500m. Lionel Nahum sprinted to a silver in the M50 200m and a bronze in the M50 100m. Michael Conway completed an unusual double, capturing bronze in both the M40 200m and 800m events.

(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.

Lions take home five gold from Ontario Masters Championship

by MastersProvincial

Just a week following the Canadian Masters Championships, a small but mighty pride of Lions took to the track at York University for the Ontario Masters Championships. The group of five athletes took home a total of seven medals including five gold. 

As she did a week ago in Montreal, Wendy Alexis easily took home the top spot in the women’s 65 and over 60 and 200 metre titles. Alexis’ winning times of 8.92 and 30.67 are the fastest times in the world for any woman in her age category. 

A pair of gold medals came from 76-year-old jumper Stan Seitz.  The veteran of masters athletics cleared a height of 1.15 metres in the M75 high jump before leaping out to 2.15 metres in the long jump. With his two medals, Seitz has now accumulated over 45 provincial and national medals in his masters career.

Gilles Frenette rounded out the list of gold medalists as he took top spot in the M45 Mile steeplechase. While not typically a contested race indoors, Frenette crossed the line in 5 minutes and 54.87 seconds to claim top spot. 

Sam Shi and Mike McInerney rounded out the medal winners for the Lions with silver and bronze medals respectively. Both awards came over 1500 metres, where Shi placed in the M30 event with his 4:33.59 effort and McInerney went 5:16.89 in the M55 event. 

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Fastest women in the world lead Lions medal haul at Canadian Masters Championship

by linkinbioMastersNational

In a weekend filled with no less than 24 medals, the 2024 Canadian Masters Indoor Track and Field Championship was an unbridled success for members of the Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club led by two outstanding women who top the world in their respective events.

Leading the charge in the medal tally was the fastest woman on the planet for her age – Wendy Alexis. The 68-year-old sprinted her way to gold in the 50, 60, and 200 metre events to bring her lifetime medal tally to an even 30 gold medals from the Canadian Masters Championships indoors and out. Alexis produced world leading times of 7.81 and 30.89 seconds respectively in the 50 and 200 metres, while her time of 8.98 seconds in the 60 metres was just two hundredths of a second off her world leading time set last month.

Liz Maguire produced the fastest time in the world this year en-route to winning the W55 800 metres. Maguire’s time of 2 minutes and 32.41 seconds bested the previous world lead from the United States’ Michelle Rohl by more than a second. At 1500 metres, Maguire’s winning time 5:08.73 would have topped the world rankings if not for her own faster run earlier this season.

Jay Sneddon also doubled up in the distance events, taking home top spot in the M30 1500 and 3000 metre events. Sneddon’s wins came in times of 4:43.84 and 9:50.93 respectively.

In his first, Canadian Masters Championship, Simon Ha sprinted his way to victory in the M35 50 and 200 metre events while adding a bronze at 60 metres. Veteran competitor Andrew Heffernan claimed the gold in the Men’s 200m for the 35-and-above category and then ran a leg on a Canadian Record breaking 4×400 metre relay team.

Rosalind Muir demonstrated her speed prowess by clinching gold in the W50 200 metres with a time of 36.23 seconds and also notched silvers in both the 50 and 60 metre events.

The women’s 35 and over 800 metre title went to Kimberley Howitt in a time of 2 minutes and 32.28 seconds. Howitt also claimed silver at 400 metres. In similar fashion, the ageless San Seitz topped the field in the M75 high jump with a clearance of 1.25 metres and took silver in the long jump with a leap of 2.95 metres.

Noteworthy performances continued with Michael Conway’s silver in the M35 800m and Michel Smith’s bronze in the M50 200m. Ashley Crawford displayed a commendable bronze trifecta in the Women’s W35 50, 200, and 400 metre events.

Next up for our masters competitors is the Ontario Championships this coming Sunday in Toronto

For updated performance rankings, please visit https://milesrowat.shinyapps.io/ottl_rankings/