Posts tagged: Olympic Games

Lauren Gale’s 2024 Olympic journey may have begun with unexpected challenges, but she capped it off in the only way she knows—with unwavering strength and determination. The 24-year-old sprinter anchored Team Canada to a commendable sixth-place finish in the women’s 4×400 metre relay, delivering a season-best time of 3:22.01. The team, which included Gale, Zoe Sherar, Kyra Constantine, and Savannah Sutherland, shaved nearly four seconds off their qualifying time, showcasing their resilience on the global stage.

Gale, who has previously led Canadian U20 and Indoor 4×400 teams to record-breaking performances, once again demonstrated her speed and tenacity despite facing significant hurdles earlier in the week. After contracting a stomach illness at Team Canada’s training camp, Gale battled through the heats and repechage of the individual 400 metres, finishing 24th overall with a time of 52.68. Reflecting on her experience, Gale shared, “I got cleared the day before competing. I wasn’t doing well, lost a lot of weight, and just ran with a lot of heart today—more so than legs.”

The relay final was among the most fiercely contested events of the Games. All five teams that finished ahead of Canada set new National Records, with the USA dominating the race in an impressive 3:15.27, just shy of the long-standing world record. Gale, receiving the baton in sixth place, fought valiantly to overtake France, moving into fifth position briefly before being edged out by France’s Louise Maraval in the final 100 metres.

“For a few of us, this was our fourth 400 of the week, so when we’re fresh and ready, I think we’ll be even quicker,” Gale said in an Athletics Canada press release. “We’ve got many more Olympics and World Championships to come, and I’m looking forward to running with these ladies again.”

This Olympic appearance marked a significant milestone in Gale’s career. Having been part of the relay pool for the Tokyo Olympics without competing, her evolution from a reserve athlete to anchoring the team in Paris underscores her dedication both on and off the track. Lauren Gale has firmly established herself as one of Canada’s leading sprinters, and her future in the sport looks brighter than ever.

Tim Nedow could only muster a best of 19.42 metres in qualifying, well short of his seasonal best of 21.13, and did not advance to Thursday’s final.

The Ottawa Lions are please to announce three Club members will represent Canada later this month at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. This morning, Athletics Canada, in conjunction with the Canadian Olympic Committee, confirmed Melissa Bishop-Nriagu, Tim Nedow, and Lauren Gale will wear the red and white into the Japan National Stadium later this month.

This will be the third Games for Bishop-Nriagu who was 28th in London and 4th in Rio. As one of the faces of Team Canada heading into Tokyo, the 2015 World silver medalist is on the hunt for the Olympic medal she narrowly missed out on five years ago. “I’m really excited for these Games. I think the extra year really did us some good,” said Bishop-Nriagu, whose finish in Rio was the best by a Canadian in the event since 1928. “It’s going to be my third Olympic Games; I’m really looking forward to getting to Japan and being in the Olympic spirit. I feel like it’s been so long since we’ve been able to experience that, so I’m really looking forward to it.”

For shot putter Tim Nedow, Tokyo will be his second Games experience following a 16th place finish in Rio. The Brockville native hit the Olympic standard in his first competition of the season, with a monstrous throw of 21.11 metres at a competition in Pennsylvania. With COVID-19 restrictions in place in Ontario and the standard in his pocket, Nedow decided to stay state side where he has competed sporadically and been focusing on his preparation for Tokyo. He took a similar approach in the lead up to the 2019 World Championships in Doha, where he placed ninth in the strongest competition in the history of the event.

The youngest member of Team Canada’s track and field team is 400 metre runner Lauren Gale. The 21-year old sprinter will be part of Canada’s 4×400 metre relay squad that was fourth five years ago in Rio and a finalist two years ago at the World Championships. Gale, who has been busy training since culminating her collegiate season at Colorado State University with a personal best 51.96 seconds, is the fourth fastest 400 metre runner in Canada this year, right behind Olympic teammate and Lion alum Alicia Brown, who will be participating in her second Games.

“I am unbelievably excited,” said Gale of her first Olympic team nomination. “It is so awesome to get to represent Canada on the biggest stage and run against my idols. I can’t wait [for the Games]!”

Leading the team will be Head Coach Glenroy Gilbert, who will be making his debut in the lead role. However, Gilbert is no stranger to Olympic competition, having represented Canada as an athlete five times (4 summer, 1 winter) and as relay coach in the previous four Games. In the press release from Athletics Canada, Gilbert praised the athletes for their resilience and unwavering commitment to see their Olympic dreams though under challenging circumstances. “Our team has shown a great deal of determination to get where we are today. When faced with adversity, these athletes rose to the occasion, performed on demand and made the most of every opportunity they were given,” said Gilbert. “Athletics Canada is fielding a strong team, with significant depth in a number of events. In Tokyo, I’m confident that they will be at their very best and will make Canada proud.”

Among Gilbert’s coaching staff is Lions 60 metre hurdles record holder Charles Allen, who will be making his second Olympic coaching appearance.

Competition in Tokyo gets under way the morning of July 30th (July 29th in Ottawa) with Melissa Bishop-Nriagu running in the heats of the 800 metres.

-With files from Athletics Canada