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From Eganville to the Olympics: Bishop-Nriagu to Join Hall of Fame

by Clublinkinbio

The Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club is proud to celebrate one of its most accomplished members, Melissa Bishop-Nriagu, who has been announced as one of five inductees to the Athletics Ontario Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Canadian record holder and three-time Olympian, Bishop-Nriagu’s induction honours a career defined by excellence, perseverance, and an enduring connection to the communities that helped shape her.

“I’ve always been proud to represent Ontario—from wearing the red singlet at my very first Legion Nationals to competing at the Canada Games. Those moments helped pave the way for my journey to three Olympic Games,” Bishop-Nriagu said following the announcement. “It’s incredibly meaningful to be named to the Hall of Fame alongside so many great individuals, including my former teammate Shawnacy Barber. His legacy continues to inspire, and I’m honoured to be part of this class in his memory.”

Born in Eganville, Ontario, Bishop-Nriagu’s path to the world stage was sparked not on the track, but on the soccer pitch. It was there that a coach recognized her exceptional speed and made a bold prediction. “He saw me running up and down the field and said, ‘You’re going to be an Olympian one day,’” she recalled during an interview in 2017. “And I think that just planted the seed. I had no clue what it took to get there, but I was going. That was the dream.”

Joining the Ottawa Lions in the summer of 2002 at the age of 13, Bishop-Nriagu quickly found herself immersed in a community that nurtured her love of track and field. “Ottawa… it’s where I started my career. It’s where I really found the love for track and field. The Ottawa Lions built that up for me,” she said in 2017. “The club has always been home to me.”

After high school, Bishop-Nriagu competed for one year with the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees before transferring to the University of Windsor, where she would train under legendary coach Dennis Fairall and spend the remainder of her competitive career. Even as she built her life and family in Windsor, she continued to represent the Ottawa Lions with pride—a testament to the bond she maintained with the Lions.

Her competitive résumé ranks among the greatest in Canadian middle-distance history. She is a three-time Olympian (2012, 2016, 2020), highlighted by a fourth-place finish at the 2016 Games in Rio where she set a Canadian record of 1:57.02 in the 800 metres. She would go on to lower that record to 1:57.01 at the Monaco Diamond League in 2017—a mark that still stands. Earlier that same summer, she thrilled a partisan Ottawa crowd at the Canadian Championships, cruising to victory over 800 metres while hundreds of fans from Eganville cheered in matching “Melissa” t-shirts. It was one of four national senior titles she captured during a career that helped redefine Canadian middle-distance running.

In 2015, Bishop-Nriagu captured gold at the Pan American Games in Toronto and made history just weeks later by winning silver at the World Championships in Beijing—the first Canadian woman ever to medal in the 800 metres on the world stage. She also holds the Ottawa Lions club record in the 1500 metres, with a time of 4:04.42 set in 2021.

Her legacy has long been celebrated in Windsor, where she was inducted into the University of Windsor Alumni Sports Hall of Fame in 2018. This week, it was announced that she will also be part of the 2025 induction class for the Windsor/Essex County Sports Hall of Fame.

Through it all, Bishop-Nriagu remained deeply connected to the Ottawa Lions. When she returned to compete at a pair of Twilight Meets in the summer of 2020, her final races in the city, athletes of all ages—some who had only ever seen her on TV—seized every chance for a wave, a brief hello, or a socially distant selfie.

Reflecting on the Club’s role in her journey, Bishop-Nriagu offered a simple but powerful tribute today: “They developed me into the athlete I am and have always been my home club –  representing them on world stages even with Canada across my jersey. So a big heartfelt thank you to the club for continued support from the very beginning to now!”

Details on the Athletics Ontario Hall of Fame induction ceremony are expected to be announced later this year, with the event anticipated to take place in the fall in Toronto. For the Ottawa Lions and the broader Canadian athletics community, Melissa Bishop-Nriagu is more than a champion—she’s a role model, a trailblazer, and now, a Hall of Famer.

******This is an unprocessed scan from the negative. You can buy it as is and clean it up yourself, or contact us for rates on providing the service for you. ******* (Ottawa, Canada---18-21 July 1991) Yolande Jones in the 100m hurdles at the 1991 Canadian Pan American Games Trials meet held in Ottawa, Canada. Photo 1991 Copyright Sean Burges / Mundo Sport Images. ******This is an unprocessed scan from the negative. You can buy it as is and clean it up yourself, or contact us for rates on providing the service for you. *******

Yolande Jones-Grande to Be Inducted into Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame

by Clublinkinbio

The Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club is proud to celebrate coach Yolande Jones-Grande, who has been announced as an inductee into the Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame for her outstanding achievements as an athlete. A star of Canadian hurdling during the 1980’s and 90’s, Jones-Grande enjoyed a decorated track career that saw her represent Canada on the international stage for nearly a decade.

Born in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Jones-Grande moved to Oshawa in 1980 and found her passion for track and field after joining her school’s team to make friends. She was initially drawn to hurdles because only boys were doing them, and her competitive nature pushed her to take on the challenge. Within two years, she was one of the country’s top young hurdlers, earning a spot on the Canadian national team.

Jones-Grande’s career flourished as she collected numerous national junior and senior medals in the 100-metre hurdles. In 1984, she won a silver medal in the 100m hurdles at the Pan American Junior Championships in the Bahamas, an experience that fueled her desire to compete at the highest level.

Two years later, Jones-Grande qualified for the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh after running a personal best of 13.55 seconds at the Canadian Senior Championships in Ottawa. She would go on to compete for Canada at several international meets, including events in Yugoslavia and Morocco.

Her induction into the Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and impact on the sport. While her days as a competitor are behind her, Jones-Grande continues to leave her mark on Canadian athletics as a coach with the Ottawa Lions, mentoring the next generation of athletes.

The Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the Tribute Communities Centre, where Jones-Grande will be honoured alongside her four fellow inductees. The Ottawa Lions congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition and celebrate her remarkable journey from a young hurdler in Oshawa to an international competitor and respected coach.

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Throwing Greatness: Tim Nedow Inducted into DePaul Hall of Fame

by linkinbioUniversity

The Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club is proud to celebrate one of its own, Tim Nedow, on his induction into the DePaul University Athletics Hall of Fame last night in Chicago.This prestigious honour recognizes Nedow’s exceptional collegiate career as a Blue Demon, where he set numerous records and regularly proved himself as a one of DePaul’s best ever.

Nedow’s time at DePaul was marked by extraordinary achievements, including being a four-time All-American and a four-time BIG EAST Champion. More than a dozen years after graduating, Tim remains the BIG EAST Indoor Championship record holder in shot put while also holding DePaul school records for indoor shot put, outdoor shot put, as well as the discus. A great testament to his prowess in the circle that redefined the standard of excellence for DePaul athletics. 

“All of my favourite memories as a Blue Demon revolve around being part of the team,” reflected Nedow on his time in Chicago. “Shot put is an individual sport, but I really felt like part of a team at DePaul.”

Beyond his collegiate accomplishments, Nedow’s success extended onto the international stage. He would go on to represent Canada in numerous global competitions, including the Olympics and World Championships, further cementing his legacy as one of DePaul’s greatest athletes. 

“Being inducted into the Hall of Fame means a lot to me,” Nedow expressed. “Growing up in a really small town in rural Canada, I never thought I would be part of a team at a prestigious school like DePaul University. I’m honoured that my alma mater has followed my career and played a huge part in my success as an athlete.”

“Tim’s induction into the DePaul Athletics Hall of Fame is a testament to his dedication, talent, and hard work, both as an athlete and a leader,” said Lions executive director RIchard Johnsonton. “We are incredibly fortunate to have him as part of our team, shaping the future of our youth programs.”

The Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club extends its heartfelt congratulations to Tim Nedow on this well-deserved honour. His induction into the DePaul Athletics Hall of Fame is a proud moment for the entire Lions community, and we look forward to seeing his legacy in our sport continue to grow.

(Ottawa, Canada---05 June 2021) Barclay Frost receiving an appreciation award for a lifetime of officiating from Ottawa Lions Executive Director Richard Johnston at the Ottawa High Performance Weekend, held at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility. Photograph copyright 2021 Sean Burges / Mundo Sport Images

Barclay Frost honoured with Athletics Ontario Hall of Fame induction

by linkinbioProvincial

The Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club are proud to celebrate the recent induction of local official Barclay Frost into the Athletics Ontario Hall of Fame in the Builder Category. The induction, recognizing a remarkable 65-year journey of dedication to athletics, took place Saturday night during Athletics Ontario’s annual Awards Gala and honours Barclay’s profound contributions as an athlete, coach, educator, official, and executive.

Barclay Frost, an Ottawa native and a true all-around sportsman, began his journey in athletics by setting a high school record in the high jump and subsequently became a Canadian U18 high jump champion. Over the years, he excelled in multiple sports but remained deeply committed to track and field.

As an educator for 34 years, Barclay’s communication skills allowed him to not only teach his students but also to inspire them to engage with sports. He coached numerous elementary school teams to championships, leaving a lasting impact on young athletes.

Barclay’s impressive journey as an official spans 54 years, and he remains one of Canada’s top officials. He has officiated at all levels, from high school meets to the Summer Olympics, always displaying his in-depth knowledge of the rule book and exceptional communication with athletes and coaches.

His contributions extended beyond the track; Barclay held numerous executive roles in organisations aimed at enhancing the sport of Track and Field. He is instrumental in the staging of the Ottawa Sports Awards Dinner, which annually honours outstanding amateur athletes in the city and he has been an ardent supporter of the Lions members in being recognized in the city’s sporting community.

In recognition of his dedication and contributions, Barclay has received several prestigious awards, including induction into the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame in 2016 and being selected for the Athletics Canada National Officials Committee Wall of Honour in 2021.

Barclay’s legacy as an athlete, coach, educator, and official has left an indelible mark on the world of athletics. His induction into the Athletics Ontario Hall of Fame is a testament to his lifelong commitment and outstanding achievements.

Sultana Frizell celebrates bronze medal in hammer throw at 2015 Pan Am Games. Copyright Miles Ryan Rowat

Sultana Frizell joins Athletics Ontario Hall of Fame

by linkinbioProvincial

The Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club is thrilled to extend its heartfelt congratulations to Canadian Olympian Sultana Frizell on her well-deserved induction into the Athletics Ontario Hall of Fame. This prestigious recognition is a testament to Frizell’s outstanding accomplishments, particularly in the hammer throw, and marks another historic milestone in her illustrious athletic career. The induction ceremony took place this past Saturday as part of Athletics Ontario’s annual Awards Gala.

Sultana Frizell, a name synonymous with excellence in Canadian athletics, enjoyed an athletics career spanning nearly two decades that saw her represent Canada internationally on 18 separate occasions. Her journey in the sport began at the young age of 14 where she took home a pair of national titles from the Royal Canadian Legion Championships. A year later she was Canadian Under-20 Champion in the shot put and would compete for Canada in a dual meet against the United States.

Frizell’s journey would only continue upwards from there, winning 13 Canadian age-class titles by the time she enrolled as a freshman at the University of Georgia. At the age of 23, Frizell set her first Canadian record in the hammer throw and subsequently broke it three more times that same year en-route to qualifying for her first Olympic team in Beijing.

Over the following 10 years, Frizell would break the Canadian record in the hammer throw five more times – extending the mark out to what was then a North American record of 75.73 metres in 2014. During the same period, the Perth native made her second Olympic team (2012), represented Canada at three World Championships, won two Commonwealth Games titles, and was twice a medallist at the Pan American Games.

Beyond her 7 Canadian senior titles and 12 national records in the hammer throw and weight throw, Frizell’s greatest legacy in the sport will be on the people around her. Undeniably one of the most loved personalities in our sport, Frizell’s success in the field helped inspire a generation of female throwers in Canada the likes of which we have never seen before. One of the kindest people you will meet, she has always been willing to take the time to help younger athletes get better at their craft.

As the Ottawa Lions Track and Field Club, we stand alongside Athletics Ontario in applauding Frizell’s remarkable career and recognizing her invaluable contributions to the sport and her role as a true Canadian sporting icon. Her story is a source of inspiration for all who share a passion for track and field.

Josh Cassidy Rio

Cassidy inducted in to Toronto Wall of Honour

by linkinbioLocal

It was not something he was aiming for, but Josh Cassidy’s induction into the Toronto Sport Hall of Honour on Friday was a worthy distinction for the national team veteran. The Toronto Sport Hall of Honour celebrates the exceptional contributions and accomplishments of those who have inspired and/or brought recognition to Toronto through sport. Cassidy was one of 18 inductees in the 2022 Class.

The three time Paralympian was inducted as the Para Athlete of The Year for his achievements in 2019. During that season Cassidy took home the top spot at the Los Angeles Marathon despite breaking his chair less than 24 hours before the race, he placed sixth at the Tokyo Marathon, and swept the 800, 1500, and 5000 metre events at the Canadian Championships. 

“These sorts of things aren’t what you aim for, but deeply gratifying to be recognized for the whole journey,” said Cassidy of the induction.  “Through triumphs and defeats, for all the hard work, dedication and commitment to a lifetime of sport. It couldn’t happen without the coaches, therapists, and community of support.”