2024AOXC_U16Girls_medal

Lions Celebrate U16 Girls Team Bronze at Provincial Cross Country Championships

by linkinbioProvincial

The final day of the Athletics Ontario Cross Country Championships at Lakeridge Links Golf Club in Whitby showcased the grit and talent of the Ottawa Lions, with the U16 Girls team leading the way to the podium. Their bronze medal performance capped off a three medal haul weekend across all age categories.

U16 Girls Shine with Team Bronze

Sunday’s highlight undoubtedly came from the U16 Girls, who combined for a team bronze in the 4km race. Leading the charge was Laila Lebel, who finished 19th in 14:04, followed closely by teammates Isla Kittmer (22nd, 14:08), Riley Daniels (27th, 14:15), and Bianca Arabackyj (30th, 14:16). Emily Munro (80th, 15:31) rounded out the squad, sealing the team’s spot on the podium with a total score of 98 points. The team narrowly edged out Edge Sport Track Club, who finished just a single point behind the ladies. 

Notable Performances in U14 Races

In the U14 Boys’ 2km race, Kai Lebel delivered a strong showing, crossing the line in 11th place with a time of 6 minutes and 2 seconds. He was joined by teammate Jaiden Taft, who placed 35th in 6:20. On the Girls’ side, Keira Ganton represented the Lions with determination, finishing 31st in 6:50.

U18 Teams Battle Tough Competition

The U18 Girls faced a challenging field in their 6km race but secured a ninth-place team finish. Leading the effort was Bridget Jeffrey, who clocked 23:44 to place 25th. Strong runs from Kyra Lauter (34th, 24:09) and Edith Petrescu-Comnene (41st, 24:33) contributed valuable points, while Maya Allibon (87th, 26:24) and Sofia Lefaivre (95th, 26:41) rounded out the team.

In the U18 Boys’ 5km race, Noah Smith led the Lions with a 24th-place finish in 19:46. He was joined by Barrett Goold (67th, 20:53) and Jackson McKercher (97th, 21:31), who put in solid efforts against a deep field.

Looking Ahead

This weekend’s championship was the penultimate event of the domestic cross country season. Focus will now shift to London, for this year’s Canadian Championships set for November 30 and 31 at Fanshawe Golf Course. 

Seaby runs at NCAA Regionals

Maddie Seaby capped her second season of NCAA cross country running with a 68th place finish at the Southeast Regional in Rock Hill, SC. It was a noticeable improvement on last season’s regional performance where Seaby placed 81st. In addition to her individual success, Seaby’s performance helped her Louisville Cardinals to a seventh place finish in the team standings.

(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

(Ottawa, Canada---04 November 2024) Daniel Cova of ESP Louis-Riel (Ottawa) competing in the Senior Boys race at the 2024 OFSAA Cross Country Championships at Mooney's Bay Park.. . Copyright 2024 Miles Ryan / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Historic Win for Cova, Podium Finish for Harris Highlight Lions’ OFSAA Success

by High SchoollinkinbioProvincial

When Ottawa last hosted the OFSAA Cross Country Championships in 2011 at the Hornet’s Nest in Gloucester, it was Lion Yves Sikubwabo who claimed the senior boys title. Thirteen years later, Ottawa saw another Lion rise to the top at Ontario’s premier high school event.

Following a second-place finish at the National Capital Championships, Louis-Riel’s Daniel Cova arrived at OFSAA with determination. The grade 12 student surged to the front early in the six-kilometre race, taking command of the 273-strong field. Holding a seven-second lead at the halfway mark, Cova powered through to claim a six-second victory, clocking in at 19:32.02. This triumph makes Cova the 16th Ottawa Lion to capture an OFSAA XC title and only the fifth senior boy to do so.

While Cova capped off his high school cross country journey with a win, NCSSAA Champion Alexandra Harris of John McCrae made an impressive debut in the novice girls division. In seventh place halfway through the four-kilometre race, Harris increased her pace, ultimately overtaking Martingrove Collegiate’s Mackenzie Sherwin in the final 100 metres to secure bronze in 15:33.29.

Louis-Riel’s senior boys team added to the Lions’ success, earning team bronze with key performances from Mikel Fortier, Cohen Kaye, and Olivier Young, who placed 37th, 100th, and 135th, respectively.

Notable top-20 finishes from the Lions also included Mackenzie Community School’s Isla Kittmer, who placed 12th in the novice girls race with a time of 15:54.35, and Glebe’s Saul Taler, who finished 12th in the senior boys race with a time of 20:12.81. Taler’s performance helped Glebe secure a seventh-place finish in the team standings.

Additional Results from OFSAA by Race Category:

Novice Girls

  • Reve McInnes, NC Glebe Collegiate (Ottawa): 52nd place, 16:49.76
  • Charlie Fee, NC Nepean HS (Ottawa): 60th place, 16:57.35
  • Kira Coldrey, NC Colonel By SS (Ottawa): 88th place, 17:23.46
  • Alyssa Nash, NC ESP De La Salle (Ottawa): 99th place, 17:42.66
  • Julie Cabasson, NC Colonel By SS (Ottawa): 151st place, 18:32.15
  • Mia Lloyd, NC Sir Robert Borden HS (Nepean): 259th place, 22:42.53

Novice Boys

  • Rowan Blaine, EO Glengarry DHS (Alexandia): 49th place, 15:01.05
  • Declan McGinnity, NC All Saints CHS (Kanata): 113th place, 15:40.23
  • Maxime Cazabon, NC ESC Garneau (Orleans): 225th place, 17:17.41

Junior Girls

  • Riley Daniels, NC The Element HS (Ottawa): 27th place, 20:30.82
  • Bianca Arabackyj, NC ESP De La Salle (Ottawa): 54th place, 21:15.43
  • Dahlia Loreti, NC ESC Pierre Savard (Barrhaven): 77th place, 21:49.57
  • Emily Munro, NC Hillcrest (Ottawa): 115th place, 22:42.33
  • Brynn Blackadder, NC South Carleton HS (Richmond): 170th place, 23:41.64
  • Olivia Gardiner, NC Colonel By SS (Ottawa): 193rd place, 24:23.68

Junior Boys

  • Luke Van Brabant, NC Earl of March SS (Kanata): 56th place, 18:24.71
  • Samuel Schuler, EO North Dundas DHS (Winchester): 89th place, 19:00.32
  • Jakob Lafferty, NC St. Pius X CHS (Ottawa): 123rd place, 19:26.66

Senior Girls

  • Grace Streek, NC Peak Centre Academy (Kanata): 24th place, 24:14.45
  • Tessa Knight, NC ESC Franco Cite (Ottawa): 26th place, 24:15.31
  • Ciara Villeneuve, NC ESC Paul Desmarais (Stittsville): 37th place, 24:34.87
  • Bridget Jeffrey, NC St. Francis Xavier (Ottawa): 39th place, 24:40.04
  • Kyra Lauter, NC ESC Franco Ouest (Ottawa): 40th place, 24:40.76
  • Kate Johnston-Zemek, NC Ashbury College (Ottawa): 107th place, 26:26.25
  • Bronwyn O’Ray, NC ESC Paul Desmarais (Stittsville): 111th place, 26:32.43
  • Adrienne Fraserwalls, NC ESC Franco Cite (Ottawa): 112th place, 26:33.17

Senior Boys

  • Charlie Mortimer, NC Hillcrest (Ottawa): 21st place, 20:33.49
  • Noah Smith, NC Immaculata (Ottawa): 30th place, 20:48.04
  • Jackson McKercher, NC John McCrae SS (Ottawa): 79th place, 21:41.46
  • Brennan Lee, NC St. Mother Teresa (Barrhaven): 83rd place, 21:46.10
  • Conlin Burnett, NC Lisgar Collegiate (Ottawa): 86th place, 21:46.43
  • Barrett Goold, NC Sir Robert Borden HS (Nepean): 91st place, 21:56.65
  • Austin Walker, NC Colonel By SS (Ottawa): 111th place, 22:17.58
  • Matteo Padoin-Castillo, NC Immaculata (Ottawa): 128th place, 22:33.61
  • Dean Kontogiannis, NC Earl of March SS (Kanata): 139th place, 22:42.18

Full results from the Championship can be found on TrackDatabase.com

Championship Photos are available from Mundo Sport Images

Jorai_Jeggo_AO_Awards_Banner_2024

Lions Honoured at Athletics Ontario Awards Banquet

by linkinbioProvincial

Two Athlete of the Year awards, two Hall of Fame inductions, and three new banners for our office at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility—Saturday night’s Athletics Ontario Awards Banquet in Toronto was a remarkable evening of celebration for the Ottawa Lions.

Two Athlete of the Year awards, two Hall of Fame inductions, and three new banners for our office at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility—Saturday night’s Athletics Ontario Awards Banquet in Toronto was a remarkable evening of celebration for the Ottawa Lions.

Leading the charge was Jorai Oppong-Nketiah, whose 2024 season was nothing short of spectacular. At the Athletics Ontario Outdoor Championships, Jorai captured gold in both the U18 100m and 200m, along with a bronze in the U18 4x100m relay. She also earned silver in the U20 100m, demonstrating her ability to excel across multiple age groups.

Her dominance continued on the national stage at the Athletics Canada U18 Championships, where she took home gold in both the 100m and 200m, setting a Championship record in the 100m. At the National U20 Championships, she further cemented her reputation with a Canadian U18 record in the 100m, alongside winning gold in the U20 100m and silver in the U20 200m—an impressive feat for such a young athlete.

Zachary Jeggo, who also claimed the title of Ontario’s Top U18 athlete, displayed a season of consistent excellence. Jeggo shined on the national stage in 2024, where he amassed an impressive seven medal haul. The 17-year-old captured his first individual national title when set a Championship record in the 400 metre hurdles at the Canadian U18 Championship. That gold medal was one of four medals he captured in Calgary. 

Competing up an age category at the Canadian U20 Championships, Jeggo picked up bronze and silver in the 400 and 400 hurdles respectively before ending the Championship by anchoring the Lions to silver in the 4×400 relay. His performances throughout the year have set a high standard, inspiring the next generation of Ottawa Lions athletes.

In addition to Jorai and Zachary’s incredible achievements, Wendy Alexis was recognized with a nomination for Masters Athlete of the Year. Wendy’s long-standing success and dedication continue to inspire everyone within the Ottawa Lions community.

The Hall of Fame welcomed Stuart McGregor, inducted in the athletes category. A three-time Paralympic medalist for Canada in the T13 800m, McGregor’s remarkable career saw him rise to the top of international competition. To this day, he still holds Canadian records in the T13 400m and 800m, further cementing his legacy in Canadian athletics.

The evening also celebrated the legacy of Pat Reid, who was inducted into the Athletics Ontario Hall of Fame in the Builder category. Pat spent 35 years contributing to the sport, coaching athletes to 16 national titles and leading Canadian teams at major international events, including the 1984 Olympics, 1986 Commonwealth Games, and the 1987 Pan American Games. He also served as a member of the Athletics Ontario board, playing a key role in shaping the sport’s growth and development in the province.

In addition to the individual accolades, the Lions were presented with three Ontario Championship banners for their team success this past season. For the first time since 2015, the Ottawa Lions were crowned Ontario Overall Club Champions. As well, the Lions captured both the U20 and U18 team titles. With this year’s haul, the Club has now amassed 58 team titles since 2000. 

(Ottawa, Canada---19 June 2024) Maxime Cazabon 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

Rising Stars: Ottawa Lions Shine at Ontario Summer Games

by linkinbioProvincial

While the world has been focused on a particular multi-sport event in France, a future generation of stars was gaining their own Games experience in London. Three Ottawa Lions athletes represented “The Valley” region at the Ontario Summer Games this weekend, capturing six medals in the process.

A week removed from producing the second-best U16 high jump performance in Club history, Maxime Cazabon found another gear to take the top spot in the U16 category high jump in London. Cazabon’s winning jump of 1.85 meters added a centimeter to his week-old lifetime best and put him 12 centimeters clear of the rest of the Games field.

In addition to his jumping exploits, Cazabon showed he was a speedster to be reckoned with. The soon-to-be high school student set new personal bests at 100 and 200 meters, but it was the 300 meters where he again reached the medal podium. A clocking of 37.36 seconds secured a bronze for Cazabon—just a tenth off his lifetime best.

Maxime rounded out his three-medal haul by running lead-off on The Valley’s bronze medal sprint medley relay team.

A relative newcomer to the sport, Olivia Schuler captured a trio of bronze medals in London. The T34 competitor, one of three classifications for athletes with cerebral palsy, won bronze medals in each of the wheelchair 100, 200, and 400 meters.

Capturing the final medal was Hudson Kennedy, who took second place in the U16 javelin. Kennedy produced a best throw of 44.90 meters, leaving him three meters off the top rung of the podium.

The Ontario Summer Games provided an excellent platform for these young athletes to exhibit their skills and hard work. The Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club is proud of the achievements of Maxime Cazabon, Olivia Schuler, and Hudson Kennedy, who continue to inspire with their dedication and performances.

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

(Montreal, Canada---30 June 2024) Jorai Oppong-Nketiah 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

Lions return from Ontario Championships with 26 medals

by linkinbioProvincial

One week after the Ontario U20/Open Championship it was time for the best U14, U16, and U18 athletes to battle for top spot this past weekend in Brampton. The  more than 60 Lions competing, emerged as a formidable force at the Championships as they set nearly 90 personal bests and brought home an amazing 26 medals in total.

Grace Streek: A Study in Versatility and Endurance

At the heart of the Lions’ triumph was Grace Streek, whose versatility and stamina proved insurmountable. Streek opened the Championship with gold in the U18 Girls 3000 metres, crossing the finish line at 10:17.70, and later dominated the 2000-metre steeplechase with a 15-second margin of victory as she finished in a time of 7:14.59 . Streek also anchored the U18 4×800-metre relay team to victory, combining with Shannon Dewar, Maya Allibon, and Sofia Lefaivre to clock a formidable 10:12.49.

Jorai Oppong-Nketiah: Speed Personified

Jorai Oppong-Nketiah continued to do what Jorai Oppong-Nketiah does – win! The Canadian record holder who blitzed her  way to gold medals in both the U18 100 metres and 200 metres, with times of 11.68 and 24.59 seconds, respectively. Oppong-Nketiah’s prowess extended to the relay events, where she helped secure a bronze in the U18 4×100 metres, running alongside Shannon Dewar, Amy LeBlanc, and Quinn Coughlin to finish in 48.61. The relay performance ranks 10th on the Club’s U18 all-time list. 

Jake Claydon St-John: The Emerging Multi-Talent

In the U14 category, Jake Claydon St-John showcased his burgeoning talent across multiple disciplines. He seized silver in the 2000 metres with a time of 6:28.45, and earned bronze in the 1200 metres (3:34.29), Shot Put (9.55 metres), and 800 metres (2:12.32). We believe Jake may be the first athlete in Ontario to ever medal win three distance events as well as a throwing event at the same Championship.

Maxime Cazabon: Master of the High Jump

Maxime Cazabon soared to new heights in the U16 high jump, capturing gold with a leap of 1.84 metres. Cazabon blew away his previous best heading into the competition by nine centimetres – clearing three new PB heights on first attempt clearances. Maxime’s jump also places him second on the Club’s U16 high jump list. In addition to his jumping success, Cazabon also produced lifetime best performances in both the 100 and 300 metre events. 

Mason Brennan: Record-Breaking Decathlete

The meet also saw a historic performance from Mason Brennan, who set a new club record in the U18 decathlon with a total of 5399 points, securing a silver medal. Brennan produced new lifetime bests in the discus, pole vault and 1500 metres en-route to his Club record performance. 

Lions Medal Winners at the Ontario U14/U16/U18 Track and Field Championships:

Gold Medalists:

– Grace Streek (3000m, U18)
– Grace Streek (2000m Steeplechase, U18)
– Timeo Atonfo (110m Hurdles, U18)
– Jorai Oppong-Nketiah (100m, U18)
– Jorai Oppong-Nketiah (200m, U18)
– Maxime Cazabon (High Jump, U16)
– Shannon Dewar, Maya Allibon, Sofia Lefaivre, Grace Streek (4x800m, U18)
– Brennan Lee, Zachary Mansouri, Noah Mansouri, Charlie Mortimer (4x800m, U18)
– Kyle London, Ammiel Williams, Brody Fraser, Taisei Tan (4x400m, U18)

Silver Medalists:

– Jake Claydon St-John (2000m, U14)
– Kathryn Moreland (Heptathlon, U20)
– Audrey Goddard (Heptathlon, Open)
– Atalia Williams, Olivia Daigle-Dasah, Norah Nitta-MacKay, Livia Buffone (4x100m, U16)
– Mason Brennan (Decathlon, U18) – New Club Record
– Kyle Waldrum (Decathlon, U20)

Bronze Medalists:

– Sadie Gilbert (Shot Put, U18)
– Eli Mordel (110m Hurdles, U18)
– Taisei Tan (400m Hurdles, U18)
– Jake Claydon St-John (1200m, U14)
– Jake Claydon St-John (Shot Put, U14)
– Jake Claydon St-John (800m, U14)
– Vienna Courteau (Heptathlon, Open)
– Shannon Dewar, Amy LeBlanc, Quinn Coughlin, Jorai Oppong-Nketiah (4x100m, U18)
– Riley Daniels, Kira Coldrey, Bianca Arabackyj, Isla Kittmer (4x800m, U16)
– Tayte Timpson, Brady Brown, Jimmy Lu Langley, Jonah Gratton (4x400m, U18)
– Norah Nitta Mackay, Atalia Williams, Olivia Daigle-Dasah (Sprint Medley, U16)

Full results from the Championship are available on our website.
Updated Club Rankings can be found at https://milesrowat.shinyapps.io/ottl_rankings/

(Ottawa, Canada---19 July 2024) Grace Streek competing at Ottawa Summer Twilight #7 at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility. Copyright 2024 Miles Ryan Rowat/ Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Lions Triumph at Ontario Legion Championships with Multiple Medals

by linkinbioProvincial

A small but mighty crew of Lions competed at the recent Ontario Legion Track and Field Championships at the Toronto Track and Field Centre on the campus of York University. Despite just six athletes donning the District G singlet in the Ontario capital, it did not quell the medal haul with a total of six coming back to Ottawa. 

Grace Streek continued to assert herself as one of Canada’s top up and coming runners. The 17-year-old was the class of the 2000 metre steeplechase – winning in a time of 7 minutes and 15.93 seconds. Streek has been a force all season in the steeplechase, having won every race she’s competed in including two provincial titles. Not satisfied with just one medal, Grace secured a bronze medal over 3000m, finishing in 10:56.56.

Following her victory at the OFSAA Track and Field Championships last month, Mallea McMullin was a favourite to take gold in the U16 girls javelin and she did not disappoint. The Louis-Riel student launched the 500g implement out to a personal best distance of 40.56 metres to easily take top spot in the event. McMullin’s nearest competitor finished over six metres back. 

Also asserting himself as a name to be reckoned with in the javelin was Hudson Kennedy. The soon to be grade 10 student at St. Michael in Kemptville unleashed a massive personal best of 45.04m to take home the silver medal. Kennedy’s performance in Toronto was nearly eight metres better than his qualifying throw when he won the District G Meet the month before.

Eli Mordel continued to show the same versatility that has served him well all season as he medalled in both the 110m hurdles and the pole vault. The Sir Robert Borden student leapt a personal best height of 4.00 metres in the pole vault to secure the silver medal. He added another lifetime best in the 110 metre hurdles, crossing the line in 14.71 seconds to take home the bronze. Mordel’s two performances currently rank him 9th and 11th respectively in Canada for the two events. 

Next up on the schedule for the athletes is this weekend’ s Ontario U14/U16/U18 Championships in Brampton before some head to Calgary for the Royal Canadian Legion Championships the weekend after. 

Full results from the Ontario Legion Championships are available on our website.

(York, Canada---20 July 2024) Brianna Asiamah and Jessica Gyamfi competes at the 2024 Athletics Ontario U20/Open Championships held at the Toronto Track and Field Center at York University. Photograph Copyright 2024 Sean Burges / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Medal Rush: Lions Excel at Ontario Track and Field Championships

by linkinbioProvincial

With the largest contingent of athletes in recent memory, the Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club took on the rest of Ontario this past weekend, once again demonstrating their dominance in the province. More than 100 athletes competed, securing an impressive 26 medals, including 12 golds, and setting 39 personal bests at the Ontario U20 & Open Track and Field Championships held at the Toronto Track and Field Centre.

Leading the Charge:

From Salome Nyirarukundo’s gold in the 5000 metres on the opening night to the women’s triumph in the Open 4×400 metres relay for the fourth time in five years, the medals kept flowing throughout the weekend. Nyirarukundo’s performance set the tone for the Lions’ success.

In a standout performance, Quinn Coughlin, in her final big meet before the Canadian U18 Championships next month, showed she is ready to compete on the national stage with two gold medals. Coughlin’s personal best of 56.14 seconds earned her the U20 women’s 400 metres title, making her the first Lioness to win the title since Charlotte Gardner in 2012. She followed up with another gold in the 400 metres hurdles, recording the second-fastest time of her career at 1:01.10.

The 400 metres hurdles proved to be a strong event for the Lions, with Rosemary Holmes and David Moulongou also capturing medals. Holmes, a former sprinter from Western University, took the top spot in the Open Women’s event, while University of Ottawa student Moulongou finished third in the Open Men’s event.

Throwers Rise to the Occasion:

The Lions’ throwers collected a total of five medals, including two golds. Connor Fraser and Jessica Gyamfi led the way with a sweep of the Open Discus competitions. Fraser dominated the men’s field, winning by almost three and a half metres with a throw of 50.41 metres. Gyamfi’s victory in the women’s event was equally impressive, with her throw of 41.17 metres besting teammate and silver medalist Brianna Asiamah by nearly six and a half metres.

In the U20 category, the shot put events yielded silver medals for both Liam Davis and Sadie Gilbert.

Sprint to the Finish:

Sydney Smith continued her reign as Ontario Champion in the 800 metres, winning for the third consecutive year. The 27-year-old led a tightly contested race, crossing the finish line in 2 minutes and 5.10 seconds, just ahead of Royal City’s Sadie-Jane Hickson. The crowded field forced Smith to sprint out wide into lane five to find an open path, ultimately winning by less than a second from the sixth-place finisher.

In the Open Men’s 1500 metres, André Alie-Lamarche displayed tactical prowess to win his first provincial championship. Despite a time of 3 minutes and 48.67 seconds being well off his personal best, Alie-Lamarche’s strategic final kick secured the victory by just three tenths of a second.

Relay Success:

The Lions’ relay teams were equally formidable. The Open 4×100 metres relay team, consisting of Cora McQuinn, Audrey Gilmour, Vienna Courteau, and Elizabeth Moreland, sprinted to gold. The U20 4×100 metres team, featuring Jamie Meikle, Ladi Ogunmekan, Connor England, and Ange-Mathis Kramo, also captured gold. Both the Open and U20 4×400 metres relay teams delivered top podium finishes, highlighting the club’s depth and relay coordination.

Medalists:

Open Category:

  • Gold:
    • Salome Nyirarukundo (5000m)
    • Jessica Gyamfi (Shot Put)
    • André Alie-Lamarche (1500m)
    • Cora McQuinn, Audrey Gilmour, Vienna Courteau, Elizabeth Moreland (4x100m)
    • Connor Fraser (Discus)
    • Rosemary Holmes (400m Hurdles)
    • Sydney Smith (800m)
    • Audrey Gilmour, Cora McQuinn, Sydney Smith, Doyin Ogunremi (4x400m)
  • Silver:
    • Maria Okwechime (Long Jump)
    • Briana Asiamah (Shot Put)
    • Stephen Evans (800m)
    • Leewinchell Jean, Luca Nicoletti, David Moulongou, André Alie-Lamarche (4x400m)
  • Bronze:
    • David Adeleye (110m Hurdles)
    • David Moulongou (400m Hurdles)

U20 Category:

  • Gold:
    • Quinn Coughlin (400m)
    • Quinn Coughlin (400m Hurdles)
    • Jamie Meikle, Ladi Ogunmekan, Connor England, Ange-Mathis Kramo (4x100m)
    • William Harris, Safwan El Mansari, Eric Zielonka, Ange-Mathis Kramo (4x400m)
  • Silver:
    • Sadie Gilbert (Shot Put)
    • Liam Davis (Shot Put)
    • Derek Strachan (3000m Steeplechase)
    • Jorai Oppong-Nketiah (100m)
    • Zachary Jeggo (400m)
    • Kathryn Moreland, Sophie Trott, Tatiana Pender, Jocelyn Giannotti (4x400m)
  • Bronze:
    • William Harris (400m)
    • Saul Taler (3000m)

Coach’s Insight:

“We are immensely proud of our athletes’ accomplishments this weekend,” said Richard Johnston, the head coach of the Ottawa Lions. “Their dedication and hard work are evident in their results, including numerous personal bests and a significant medal haul. These achievements highlight the depth and strength of our club.”

In the team competition, the U20 squad leads the provincial scoring race with 124 points, 18.5 points ahead of London Western. With 156 points, the senior Lions team sits in second, 35 points behind Royal City. Both divisional championships wrap up this coming weekend with the combined events championship for both age categories.

For full results from the Championship, please visit our website.

For photos from the Championship, please visit Mundo Sport Images website.

Updated Club rankings can be found on our statistics page.

(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.

(Quebec City, Canada---23 February 2024) Brianna Asiamah competes in the shot put at the 2024 RSEQ University Championships held at the University of Laval. Photograph Copyright 2024 Sean Burges / Mundo Sport Images. If posting to social media please tag @mundosportimages

Shot putters lead Ravens at RSEQ Championship

by linkinbioProvincialUniversity

While Canadians associate winter with ice, the slippery surface is not something typically associated with indoor track and field. However, the Carleton University throwers may beg to differ after their slippery experience at the RSEQ Championships in Quebec City last weekend.

Competing on a well-worn portable circle at the PEPS (Pavillon de l’éducation physique et des sports de l’Université Laval), Carleton’s two nationally ranked shot putters had to adjust to their environment when they discovered they could nearly skate across the shot put ring. 

Graduate student Brianna Asiamah shifted her entire approach to the event because of the circle’s slippery feeling. Despite Asiamah scaling back her full rotation throw down to a half turn, she still emerged victorious with a winning throw of 12.48 metres on her first attempt. While the distance was nearly a metre off her school record, Asiamah finished more than a metre and a half ahead of her nearest competitor. With her victory, Brianna also secured her third straight ticket at the USports Championship.

In the men’s shot put, second year student Connor Fraser may have benefitted from his years of experience playing competitive hockey as he seemed unfettered by the slippery conditions. Fraser pushed the 16 pound ball out to a distance of 15.05 metres, less than a foot off his school record, to claim the silver medal. 

On the track, McGill University sophomore Luca Nicoletti had a very productive first RSEQ Championship after missing last season to an injury. Nicoletti opened the weekend of competition on Friday night by helping the Red Birds to victory in the 4×200 metre relay. He would follow up on day two with an individual medal of his own. The engineering student was clocked in a time of 35.71 seconds as he took home the bronze over 300 metres. 

To close out the RSEQ Championships,Audrey Gilmour picked up a bronze medal of her own in the 4×400 metre. Also running for McGill, Gilmour ran the third leg for the Martlets as they finished in 4:00.55, just seven tenths of a second behind Sherbrooke’s silver medal run.

For complete results and photos from the RSEQ Championships, please visit our results page.

For updated Carleton Ravens all-time rankings, please visit https://milesrowat.shinyapps.io/ravenstf_rankings/