CHINA’S MEN’S 4X100M LEADS 2 OUT OF THE LAST 3 YEARS, CAN TEAM CANADA EVEN THE SCORE AT THE JEROME CLASSIC?

The 35th Vancouver Sun Harry Jerome Track Classic will feature the China vs Canada Team Sprint Challenge for the Pacific World Cup on June 26 and 27at the newly reconstructed track at Swangard Stadium.  Look for fast times on this Rekortan M99 synthetic surface.  

The Team Sprint Challenge will include the 100m, 200m, 400m, 4x100m and 4x400m for men and women. Many consider the 4x100m to be the ultimate test of team work as the exciting exchanges are the big threat for disqualification.  

Team China is leading Team Canada in two of the past three years. The battle for the Pacific World Cup will provide an opportunity to even the score for the men’s 4x100m.  Simon Nathan, Athletics Canada’s High Performance Director said in regards to team selection, “As a result of injuries or similar issues we may have to switch athletes at relatively short notice.”

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At the 2015 IAAF World Championships in Beijing Team China won the silver medal in the men’s 4x100m with their time of 38.01 edging Team Canada to the bronze medal with 38.13

Canada had bested the Chinese sprinters at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games with a new Canadian record of 37.64 and the bronze medal just ahead of their rival’s 4th place 37.82

China’s sprinters shocked the world in 2017 at the Diamond League meet in Monaco with their victory in the men's 4x100m relay at the IAAF Diamond League meet in Monaco. The Chinese quartet won the title in 38.19 seconds, overpassing strong rivals of Team USA, Team Canada and Team France. 

The 2017 Jerome Classic was sold out almost 3 weeks before the event.

It is recommended that fans get their tickets online early as a sell out is expected.

Best times for Team China 4x100m men plus international ranking

2015 37.92 2nd World Championships

2016 37.82 4th  Olympics

2017 38.20 4th World Championships

Best times for Team China 4x100m men plus international ranking

2015 38.13 3rdWorld Championships

2016 37.64 3rd Olympics

2017 38.48 6thWorld Championships

Ticket Prices Vancouver Sun Harry Jerome Track Classsic

Tickets For Adults, $45 For Both Days, $25 For A Single Day

Tickets For Youth (4-17 Years) $19 For Both Days, $11 For A Single Day

Tickets For Families, $96 For Both Days, $58 For A Single Day

Tickets For VIP Hospitality $115 For Two Days, $75 For One Day

Preferred Seating $75 For Two Days, $45 For One Day

Adult Group $16 A Day

Youth Group $9 A Day

All Ticket Packages are available at www.harryjerome.com

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Commonwealth Games Performances Strengthen Canada's Top Twenty List on the Road to the Vancouver Sun Harry Jerome Track Classic

Taking pole vault, and the Canadian record, to new heights every time she steps foot in a stadium, Alysha Newman entered the women’s pole vault final at 4.30 metres at the Commonwealth Games. After setting a new Games record with a vault of 4.65 metres, and the Gold medal on the line, Newman would pass on her final attempt at 4.70 metres. With the crowd on its feet, she cleared 4.75 metres on her first attempt winning Gold in record-setting style and the Canadian record. 

The Delaware, ON native said “It’s a stepping stone. I have two years until the Olympics; it’s my first Gold internationally other than Pan Am Juniors. I am happy to finally get my senior medal. I’m stoked.”

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Christabel Nettey took the gold medal at the Gold Coast ‘s Commonwealth Games in the long jump with 6.84m.  This was the Surrey athlete’s most prestigious international medal since her the 2015 Pan American Games victory. Christabel’s Commonwealth Games distance equals her meet record at the Jerome Classic set in 2015.

Nina Schultz competing at her first international competition as a senior set a personal best in the 2 day heptathlon with 6133 points in the 7 event challenge.  The New Westminster athlete set personal bests in high jump -1.84m, 100m hurdles-13.47(0.6) and the 800m-2:17.40.

Surrey’s Django Lovett chose a perfect time to set a personal best in the high jump with his 2.30m clearance. His bronze medal performance is only 1 centimeter from the Jerome Classic meet record of 2.31 set by World Champion, Jesse Williams of the USA.

This trio from British Columbia has competed at the Vancouver Sun Harry Jerome Track Classic in the past. Marek Jedrzejek, Chair of Jerome Classic invitations will be communicating with these medalists with invitations to compete at Swangard Stadium on June 26thand June 27th. The 35thVancouver Sun Harry Jerome Track Classic will feature the China Canada Team Sprint Challenge which will feature the 100m, 200m, 400m, 4x100m and 4x400m for both men and women. This format of 10 men and 10 women for both Team China and Team Canada will produce the winner of the Pacific World Cup in this speed focused dual meet.

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Last year' Jerome Classic was sold out almost a month in advance.  It is recommended that ticket be purchased early as many expect another sell out.

Ticket Prices Vancouver Sun Harry Jerome Track Classic

Tickets For Adults, $45 For Both Days, $25 For A Single Day

Tickets For Youth (4-17 Years) $19 For Both Days, $11 For A Single Day

Tickets For Families, $96 For Both Days, $58 For A Single Day

Tickets For VIP Hospitality $115 For Two Days, $75 For One Day

Preferred Seating $75 For Two Days, $45 For One Day

Adult Group $16 A Day

Youth Group $9 A Day

All Ticket Packages are available at www.harryjerome.com

Christabel Nettey and Django Lovett find precious medals in Gold Coast

Surrey, BC's Olympian won the long jump at the Gold Coast's Commonwealth Games with a distance of 6.84m. This is the same distance as her long jump record at the Vancouver Sun Harry Jerome International Track Classic. She won the event at last year's Jerome Classic. Will she compete at this year's event on June 26 and June 27 at Swangard Stadium? She leads Canada top 20 list  with 1200 points.

Django Lovett had the high jump competition of his life with a personal best of 2.30m to win the bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Australia. Django Lovett from Surrey, BC won the high jump at the 2017 Vancouver Sun Harry Jerome International Track Classic. He ranks 3rd in Canada's top 20 list with 179 points.

Django Lovett takes the bronze in the high jump in the Gold Coast

The 2017 Vancouver Sun harry Jerome track Classic sold out over 3 weeks in advance. Get your tickets now for June 26 and June 27 which will feature the China Canada Team Sprint Challenge.

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Tickets For Adults, $45 For Both Days, $25 For A Single Day

Tickets For Youth (4-17 Years) $19 For Both Days, $11 For A Single Day

Tickets For Families, $96 For Both Days, $58 For A Single Day

Tickets For Vip Hospitality $115 For Two Days, $75 For One Day

Preferred Seating $75 For Two Days, $45 For One Day

Adult Group $16 A Day

Youth Group $9 A Day

All Ticket Packages are available at www.harryjerome.com

Provincial and Club Teams invited to apply to the Vancouver Sun Harry Jerome Track Classic relays

For the first time the Jerome Classic organizers have invited provincial and club relay teams to apply for invitation to the prestigous track and field event now celebrating it's 35th year.  The City of Burnaby has just completed an almost million dollar upgrade to the track surface at Swangard Stadium. Clubs and provinces across Western Canada will have an opportunity to compete along side the national teams from China and Canada who will compete for the Pacific World Cup in the Team Sprint Challenge.  The top men and women sprinters from Canada and China will face off over the 100m, 200m, 400m, 4x100m and 4x400m in a 2 day contest. Tickets are already selling and it is suggested that with the sell out last year, fans act early to get their tickets.

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Swangard Stadium, 2016 Vancouver Sun Harry Jerome Track Classic

Ticket Prices Vancouver Sun Harry Jerome Track Classsic, Tuesday, June 26 and Wenesday, June 27, 2018

Tickets For Adults, $45 For Both Days, $25 For A Single Day

Tickets For Youth (4-17 Years) $19 For Both Days, $11 For A Single Day

Tickets For Families, $96 For Both Days, $58 For A Single Day

Tickets For VIP Hospitality $115 For Two Days, $75 For One Day

Preferred Seating $75 For Two Days, $45 For One Day

Adult Group $16 A Day

Youth Group $9 A Day

All Ticket Packages are available at www.harryjerome.com/tickets

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We are inviting relay teams from provinces, universities and clubs to apply for an invitation to both the 4x100m and 4x400m for both men and women. The top 8 teams in each of the 4 races will be accepted. If accepted there would be an entry fee of $25 dollars per athlete per event including spares. Already there are 2 teams from Henan Province men 4x400m(47.73-48.13-48.60-21.39) + women 4x100m(11.97-12.4-12.30-12.40) and 1 team from Guangzhou Province men’s 4x100m(10.35-10.44-10.50-10.60). All travel and accommodation is the responsibility of each accepted team.  Meet is june 26 and June 27 at Swangard Stadium

The top 8 teams in each of the events based on the current combined best times  in 100m or 400m will be accepted. Confirmation of times will be made on the Athletics Canada statistical lists. Early application is recommended. All athletes must be registered with their provincial governing body connected with Athletics Canada and supply that number.

Deadline is May 7, 2018 with confirmation of top 8 teams in each division by May 10 so travel and accommodation can be arranged as well as sending entry fees.  Completed application for possible invitation should be sent to dclement007@mac.com

APPLICATION FORM

Application for 4x100m team___ 4x400m team___

Men___ Women___

Province____ Club____ University__ 

Team name______________________________

Team Coach_____________________________     Email__________________________

Athlete Name_________________________________________

Best time (2017 or 2018)____________________ AC number_________

Athlete Name_________________________________________

Best time (2017 or 2018)____________________ AC number_________

Athlete Name_________________________________________

Best time (2017 or 2018)____________________AC number_________

Athlete Name_________________________________________

Best time (2017 or 2018)____________________AC number_________

Spares

Athlete Name_________________________________________

Best time (2017 or 2018)____________________AC number_________

Athlete Name_________________________________________

Best time (2017 or 2018)____________________AC number_________

Completed application for possible invitation should be sent to dclement007@mac.com  

#QUEENBEAST, Crystal Emmanuel gets ready for the Gold Coast in Brisbane

Canada's fastest sprinter ran in Brisbane last week in her final preparation for the Commonwealth Game in the Gold Coast.  Crystal Emmanuel of North York, ON ran 23.19(-1.6) for the 200m into a headwind. Last season she broke the Canadian record with her 22.50(0.0) in Cork, Ireland. She also ran 11.14(0.8) for the 100m at the World Championhips in London and was a finalist in the 200m with 22.60(0.8).

Check out #QUEENBEAST video interview

Crystal is the leading contender to be selected by Athletics Canada to the Canadian team for the China Canada Team Sprint Challenge at the 2018 Vancouver Sun Harry Jerome International Track Classic. Organizers suggest getting tickets now as the 20117 Jerome was a sell out 3 weeks in advance.

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Details on Ticket Prices Vancouver Sun Harry Jerome Track Classsic

Tickets for Adults, $45 for both days, $25 for a single day

Tickets for Youth (4-17 Years) $19 for both days, $11 for a single day

Tickets for Families, $96 for both days, $58 for a single day

Tickets for VIP Hospitality $115 for both days, $75 for a single day

Preferred Seating $75 for both days, $45 for a single day

Adult Group $16 a day

Youth Group $9 a day

Tickets On Sale  at www.harryjerome.com/tickets

Canada's 4x100m warms up in Brisbane for 2018 season and China Canada Team Sprint Challenge

Recent history of podium performance in the past several decades, has focussed on the 4x100m at the Olympic Games and World Championhips for Canada's sprinters. 2018 is going to a real test for the men's 4x100m team who took the bronze medal at the Rio Olympics in 2016.

First will be the Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast, Australia. Heats are on April 13 and final on April 14. Canada 4x100m meter team ran 38.97 in a warm up meet in Brisbane on March 28th behind England's 38.31. Great Britain was the gold medalist at 2017 World Championhips. Canadian team members, Aaron Brown ran 20.95(-1.8) and Brendon Rodney 21.17(-1.7) in the 200m into strong headwinds in their first meets of the 2018 outdoor season down under.  Andre De Grasse has delayed his 2018 return to competition after his injury just prior to the World Championships in London last August. At this time he is expected to compete at the Drake Relays in late April.

The second test will be at Swangard Stadium at the 2018 Vancouver Sun Harry Jerome Internatiional Track Classic which will feature a unique Sprint Team Challenge for the Pacific World Cup. This will be a 2 days test which includes the 100m, 200, 400m, 4x100m and 4x400m for both women and men by the National Sprint teams of China and Canada.  The 100m and 4x400m will be on June 26 and the 200m, 400m and 4x100m on June 27 at the newly renovated track at Swangard Stadium. Team coaches from China and Canada are epected to name their teams lin the next several weeks.

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The third target will be the NACAC Championhips in Toronto on August 10-12 where our sprinters will face the strongest team from the Americas, including the US, Jamacia and the Bahamas.

Get your tickets early as a sell out is possible for the 2018 Vancouver Sun Harry Jerome International Track Classic at Swangard Stadium

Ticket Prices Vancouver Sun Harry Jerome Track Classsic

Tickets For Adults, $45 For Both Days, $25 For A Single Day

Tickets For Youth (4-17 Years) $19 For Both Days, $11 For A Single Day

Tickets For Families, $96 For Both Days, $58 For A Single Day

Tickets For Vip Hospitality $115 For Two Days, $75 For One Day

Preferred Seating $75 For Two Days, $45 For One Day

Adult Group $16 A Day

Youth Group $9 A Day

All Ticket Packages are available at www.harryjerome.com/tickets

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Aaron Brown gets ready down under for Commonwealth Games

Aaron Brown ran 20.95 for the 200m in Brisbane, Australia as his final preparation for the Commonwealth Games set for next week in the Gold Coast. He is an integral part of Canada's sprint team which has been on the podium in the last several years in the 4x100m at both the Olympic Games and World Championships. He is certainly a strong candidate for the China Canada Team Sprint Challenge set for June 26 and 27 during the expanded 2018 Vancouver Sun Harry Jerome Track Classic at the newly renovated Swangard Stadium. Canadian Team Coach Glenroy Gilbert will name his team for the event later this spring which will feature the 100m, 200m, 400m, 4x100m and 4x400m for both men and women. This format of 10 men and 10 women for both Team China and Team Canada will produce the winner of the Pacific World Cup in this speed  focused dual meet.

Last year' Jerome Classic was sold out almost amonth in advance.  It is recommended that ticket be purchased early as many expect another sell out.

Ticket Prices Vancouver Sun Harry Jerome Track Classsic

Tickets For Adults, $45 For Both Days, $25 For A Single Day

Tickets For Youth (4-17 Years) $19 For Both Days, $11 For A Single Day

Tickets For Families, $96 For Both Days, $58 For A Single Day

Tickets For Vip Hospitality $115 For Two Days, $75 For One Day

Preferred Seating $75 For Two Days, $45 For One Day

Adult Group $16 A Day

Youth Group $9 A Day

All Ticket Packages are available at www.harryjerome.com

Christabel Nettey jumped "Down Under" today to get to the Top of the World.

Christabel Nettey jumped "down under" today to get to the top of the world. The 26 year old long jumper from Surrey, BC completed her final prepartions for the Commonwealth Games in Brisbane, Australia with a jump of 6.92m(1.8) narrowly beating Australian, Brooke Stratton's mark of 6.88m(1.9). Christabel, 5 time national long champion is looking to improve her bronze medal in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.  This Arizona State University graduate won the gold medal at the Pan American Games in Toronto in 2015 with a jump of 6.90m. She will qualify on April 11th with final the next day at  the Gold Coast. She and Brooke's performances lead the world in this early outdoor season. In 2017 Christabel Nettey won the Vancouver Sun Harry Jerome International Track Classic long jump. This year the Jerome Classic is to be held at Swangard Stadium on June 26 and 27 and will feature the China Canada Team Sprint Challenge.

TICKETS FOR ADULTS, $45 FOR BOTH DAYS, $25 FOR A SINGLE DAY

TICKETS FOR YOUTH (4-17 years) $19 FOR BOTH DAYS, $11 FOR A SINGLE DAY

TICKETS FOR FAMILIES, $96 FOR BOTH DAYS, $58 FOR A SINGLE DAY

TICKETS FOR VIP HOSPITALITY $115 FOR TWO DAYS, $75 FOR ONE DAY

PREFERRED SEATING $75 FOR TWO DAYS, $45 FOR ONE DAY

ADULT GROUP $16 A DAY

YOUTH GROUP $9 A DAY

ALL TICKET PACKAGES ARE AVAILABLE AT www.harryjerome.com

Register for the Vancouver Sun Run here

Sun Run: Grassroots organization, philanthropy bolster youth participation

Nick Eagland, Vancouver Sun

A grassroots philanthropic movement is vying to shift the demographics of The Vancouver Sun Run so that more youth can reap the benefits of the popular Vancouver road race.

At least 200 students and some of their teachers participating in the 34th annual 10-kilometre race on Sunday, April 22 will cross the finish with their registration fees mostly covered by the Jack Gin Family Foundation.

The foundation began funding young racers from lower-income neighbourhoods last year.

Matt Johnston, a full-time firefighter who ran for the Canadian team, used to operate a running club out of the Ray-Cam Community Centre in East Vancouver’s Strathcona neighbourhood and over time got to know Sun Run race director Tim Hopkins. Through Hopkins, Johnston met Steve Kim of the Boilingpoint Group, who introduced him to entrepreneur and philanthropist Jack Gin.

Full Story Here

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW AS SELL-OUT IS EXPECTED

Details on Ticket Prices Vancouver Sun Harry Jerome Track Classsic

Tickets for Adults, $45 for both days, $25 for a single day

Tickets for Youth (4-17 Years) $19 for both days, $11 for a single day

Tickets for Families, $96 for both days, $58 for a single day

Tickets for VIP Hospitality $115 for both days, $75 for a single day

Preferred Seating $75 for both days, $45 for a single day

Adult Group $16 a day

Youth Group $9 a day

Canadian Sprint Heritage honoured at 35th Vancouver Sun Harry Jerome Track Classic, China Canada Team Sprint Challenge

By GARY KINGSTON

Swangard Stadium in Burnaby on a glorious night in late June. The grandstand packed with thousands of red-and-white and red-and-yellow-clad spectators.

The newly re-surfaced running track promising to deliver some fast performances. A healthy Andre De Grasse, Canada’s triple 2016 Olympic medalist, doing battle at 100 metres with top Chinese sprinter, Su Bingtian, who hails, interestingly enough, from one of Burnaby’s sister cities, Zhongshan City.

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That’s the vision Doug Clement has for the Achilles Track Society’s plan to revitalize the 35th running of the Harry Jerome International Track Classic with a two-day China-Canada Sprint Challenge.

“It’s never been done before, focussing on one event like the sprints,” Clement, the Achilles president, said at a news conference Wednesday confirming the meet-within-a-meet idea for the Jerome on June 26-27.

Canadian Olympic medalist in the sprints

“We’ve got the history, the sprinters (Percy Williams, Jerome, Donovan Bailey, De Grasse). They do as well,” he added, noting that Bingtian has run under 10 seconds four times and the fast-improving Chinese won silver in the 4x100-metre relay at the 2015 IAAF world championships.

“It’s going to be a great contest. It could be very exciting. I think the team concept and the Pacific World Cup add another dimension where there’s a clear winner and a clear loser.”

The Chinese and Canadian sprint teams, which are expected to be named by the end of April, will consist of 20 runners, 10 men and 10 women.

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The first two events, the men and women’s 100 metres and 4x400-metre relays, will be held on June 26. The second night will feature the men’s and women’s 200 metres, 400 metres and 4x100 metre relays.

China, which sent six coaches to Jamaica three years ago for a month-long program focussed on sprinting, has put considerable resources into its track and field program in recent years, including the hiring of American coaching legend Randy Huntington.

Liu Xiang

Back in 2004, when Liu Xiang won Olympic gold in the men’s 110-metre hurdles for China, there were hardly any other track athletes of note from the country. But Dong Bin won bronze in the men’s triple jump at the 2016 Olympics, Wang Jinan was a bronze medalist at the 2015 world championships in the men’s long jump and Bingtian earned the silver medal in the 60-metre final at the world indoor championships last November.

“Now, when you walk out into the worlds, they are looking at China,” Huntington said recently. “Before they did not see China, they only saw Liu Xiang. It’s very different now. There was no China before, there was an athlete only. Now they see a country.”

Clement said Jerome officials are hoping to attract a sizeable crowd from the local Chinese community and thinks there is an opportunity to replicate some of the enthusiasm seen at the Rugby 7s event at BC Place.

Canadian fans create home team advantage

“We’re going to try to encourage (spectators) to wear their colors, try to catch some of that same entertainment experience. Those choosing to get behind China, wear their red and yellow, then, of course, the Canadian colors of red and white. We want to try to get that fun element into it.

“I really do believe we’re going to sell out on the two days. The stadium seats between 4,000 and 5,000 people. In Europe, they sell out lots of standing room (for track meets.) I suspect we could get, beyond the seating, another couple of thousand.”

Clement said he is very hopeful that De Grasse, who ran at the Jerome in 2016 and 2017, will be at Swangard in June. “We are working hard at that.”

Andre De Grasse at 2017 Vancouver Sun Harry Jerome International Track Classic

De Grasse recently withdrew from next month’s Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast of Australia, saying that while he was 100 per cent healthy after missing the 2017 worlds due to a hamstring injury, he was not where he wanted to be from a fitness standpoint.

“My team and I feel like this is the best decision for the long term,” said De Grasse. “I will now train hard through the spring to be ready for a strong and full outdoor season.”

Get your tickets now as sell-out is expected

Details on Ticket Prices Vancouver Sun Harry Jerome Track Classsic

Tickets for Adults, $45 for both days, $25 for a single day

Tickets for Youth (4-17 Years) $19 for both days, $11 for a single day

Tickets for Families, $96 for both days, $58 for a single day

Tickets for VIP Hospitality $115 for both days, $75 for a single day

Preferred Seating $75 for both days, $45 for a single day

Adult Group $16 a day

Youth Group $9 a day

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China and Canada Team Sprint Challenge added to 35th Harry Jerome Track Classic

This year’s Vancouver Sun Harry Jerome International Track Classic will mark the annual event's 35th anniversary and to celebrate, will be held over two days for the first time. The expanded format of one of Canada’s premier track and field events will pit some of the country’s best athletes against one another and will be held in conjunction with Canada’s national sprint team taking on the fastest men and women from China in a unique Team Sprint Challenge.

The China-Canada Team Sprint Challenge will feature a ten-event dual meet between the two countries over the two days on the new state of the art surface at Swangard Stadium. The Team Sprint Challenge will actually be a meet within the regular Jerome meet, which will have 10 events on June 26 and 12 events on June 27. The team with the highest score will be awarded the Pacific World Cup.

“This is the 35th year of the Vancouver Sun Harry Jerome International Track Classic and the Achilles Track and Field Society is pleased to return to historic Swangard Stadium after the million dollars renovation to what many consider to be the best facility for our sport in Canada,” said Achilles President Doug Clement. “Most significant is initiation of friendly competition between Canada and China for the Pacific World Cup in this 2018 Year of Tourism as world attention swings to the Asia Pacific region.”

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Mayor Derek Corrigan said “The City of Burnaby is incredibly proud to be once again hosting the Harry Jerome International track meet at Swangard Stadium, now in its 35th year of competition. Athletes can expect an unparalleled track experience that cannot be found anywhere else in Canada with the brand new Swangard Stadium track having undergone replacement in 2017.

“The high level of competition expected at this year’s event will be further elevated by the inclusion of Team China for the China-Canada Team Sprint Challenge. We are excited to have Team China attend this year’s event and I think the entire community will be energized by this unique competition format. It’s going to be something very special to see and I would encourage people from around the entire region to come out to the Harry Jerome International track meet.”

Both Glenroy Gilbert, Canada’s Head Coach, and Chinese officials in Beijing have said they hope to have tentative teams named by mid-April.

During its 35-year history, the Jerome Track Classic has seen many Olympic and World champions participate, and is Canada’s longest running track and field meet. These Olympic and World medalists include Donovan Bailey, Carl Lewis, Debbie Brill, Daley Thompson, Charmaine Crooks, Lynn Kanuka, John Walker, Ashton Eaton, Brianne Theisen-Eaton and Dylan Armstrong.

“We are thrilled that the Harry Jerome is returning to Burnaby bigger and better than ever,” said Jennifer Scott, Senior Manager, Sport Burnaby. “This International competition is a pillar in Burnaby’s annual hosting calendar with these incredible athletes staying, training and competing in our city.

“Not only does the event showcase why Burnaby is such a strong sport hosting destination, it highlights the partnership between the Achilles Society, the City of Burnaby and Sport Burnaby who are committed to creating a truly world class event. Hosting the Chinese team in Burnaby during the Canada-China Year of Tourism  will have a special significance and we are eager to welcome all the athletes this June.”

Tickets for the Jerome meet go on sale today. Adult tickets are $45 for a two-day package and $25 for a one-day ticket. Tickets are also available for Youth, Families, Groups and VIP and all are available through www.harryjerome.com.

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Details on Ticket Prices Vancouver Sun Harry Jerome Track Classsic

Tickets for Adults, $45 for both days, $25 for a single day

Tickets for Youth (4-17 Years) $19 for both days, $11 for a single day

Tickets for Families, $96 for both days, $58 for a single day

Tickets for VIP Hospitality $115 for both days, $75 for a single day

Preferred Seating $75 for both days, $45 for a single day

Adult Group $16 a day

Youth Group $9 a day

Tickets Go On Sale Today at www.harryjerome.com

WARNER , BARBER AND KNIGHT LEAD 2018 CANADIAN INDOOR LISTS

Damian Warner ended the 2018 indoor season with a new Canadian record in the heptathlon and silver medal at the World Championships in Birmingham, UK with his 6343 points. Justyn Knight won the NCAA Division I indoor 5000m gold medal and silver in the 3000m to top Canadians while Robert Heppenstall ran 1:46.88 in make the podium in the NCAA championships. Bolade Ajomale was double gold in the 60m and 200m in the NCAA division II. 

2018 INDOOR SEASON WRAPS WITH TOP CANADIAN WOMEN SETTING RECORDS

Indoor season has come to a close for 2018 with 4 women’s national indoor records established during the winter.

Alysha Newman of London, ON jumped 4.70m in the pole vault in Birmingham, UK in her final competition at the World Championships.  She had established the Canadian indoor record of 4.66m on Fayetteville, AR on February 10th, but with mark she leapt to the top of the Canadian list.

Kate Van Buskirk and Gabriela Stafford ran personal bests at the World Championships with 4:09.42 and 4:09.94 respectively in their heats.  Kate ran her Canadian mile record of 4:26.92 on 27 January in New York and then ran a startling 3000m in 8:49.02 just off Megan Metcalfe Wright's Canadian record of 8:48.56 set in Valencia, Spain in 2011. Unfortunately Kate was not selected to the Canadian group going to the Commonwealth Games, April 4-15 in the Gold Coast, Australia.

Strangely this early date will be a very serious test of fitness for relatively small team making the trip. Hopefully there will be some possibility of preliminary starts prior the Games themselves.

Canadian women take silver and bronze in NCAA Divison 1 Indoor Championships in pentathlon. Nina Schultz of New Westminster-4467 points and Georgia Ellenwood of Langley -4381 points

Doug and Diane Clement are Names Synonymous with Athletics In Canada

Damian Warner Lands World Championship Silver Medal and Canadian Record

By the narrowest of margins (0.0008%), the World Championship Gold Medal eluded Damian Warner in Birmingham, UK today. Canada's great multi-event specialist took the Silver Medal just 5 points behind Kevin Mayer of France's total of 6348 points in the 7 event heptathlon, the indoor equivalent to the decathlon. Damian was hampered in last summer's outdoor World Championships by the Norovirus, where Kevin Mayer won the Gold Medal.  Damian needed to beat Kevin by just over 3 seconds in the dramatic final event, the 1000m. The London, ON Olympic medalist lead the race with a new personal best of 2:37.12, while the French rival finished 2.52 seconds back which squeaked out the 5 point victory. Damian's 6343 points did break the 25-year-old Canadian Record of 6279 points set by Michael Smith at the 1993 World Indoor Championships in Toronto, ON.  Damian from London, ON but training in Calgary with Les Gamantik, is set to battle for the Gold medal in the decathlon at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia in early April.

Alysha Newman

Alysha Newman of London, ON set the Canadian Indoor Record in Birmingham at the World Championships with a  pole vault of 4.70m. Her 6th place finish broke the current record of 4.60m set by Kelsie Hendry in Flagstaff, AZ in 2012. Alysha holds the U18 and U20 Canadian Indoor Records and she had a pending mark of 4.66m in the pole vault set in Fayetteville. AR on February 10, 2018. Coached by Doug Wood, Alysha is headed for the Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast, Australia

Cliff Clocks Canadian Record in Texas

Vancouver runner, Rachel Cliff broke the Canadian Half Marathon record this morning in Woodlands, Texas. She recorded a time of 1:10:08 for the 13.097 km distance, breaking Lanni Marchant previous Canadian record of 1:10:47 set in 2014.  Marchant holds the Canadian Marathon record of 2:28:00 set in 2013. Rachel's half marathon time today improved her previous best of 1:11:52 set in Houston, Texas on 14 January this year.

Rachel will represent Canada in the 10,000m at the 2018 Commonwealth Games taking place in Gold Coast, Australia April 4-15. She is coached by Richard Lee of the BC Endurance Project.

Last summer, the University of Guelph graduate recorded her personal best of 32:00.03 for the 10,000m at the London World Championships.  She may be ready to challenge Natasha Wodak's Canadian record of 31:41.59 at the Commonwealth Games next month.

Kate Van Buskirk leads Canadian women as they reach for the top of the 2018 Indoor Track Season

Culmination of the indoor season for track and field will conclude in less than two weeks.           
First up is the World Indoor Championships in Birmingham, UK this weekend. Kate Van Buskirk continues to lead Canada’s Top 30 List as she heads to Britain.  Information on CBC Live Broadcast is available here.

The Division I NCAA Indoor Championship on March 9 and 10 in College Station, TX are the final indoor competitions for our Canadians attending US Universities. 

Christabel Nettey of Surrey, BC got her seasonal best with 6.62m long jump in Glasgow, Scotland last weekend as she prepares for the World Championships. 

Alysha Newman of London, ON jumped 4.62m in the pole vault in Clermont-Ferrand, France in her final competition prior to Birmingham.  She had established the Canadian indoor record of 4.66m on Fayetteville, AR on February 10th. 

Kyra Constantine of Toronto, ON improved her 400m personal best to 52.73 at the regional indoor championship in Seattle representing University of Southern california

Leya Buchanan of Mississauga, ON a student at University of Oklahoma recorded her 200m personal best at her regional championships in Fayetteville, AR with clocking of 23.52.

Shawn Barber's 5.81m in France vaults to Canada's top 30 Men's List

Shawn Barber vaulted 5.81m in Clermont- Ferrand, France yesterday with Alysha Newman clearing 4.62m as they prepare for the World Indoor Championships in Birmingham, UK on March 1-4. Shawn's mark leads Canada's Top 30 list for 2018

As the US Collegiate Championships are approaching in less than 2 weeks, two Canadian athletes attending university south of the 49th parallel are getting ready to show their top indoor form.

Justyn Knight of Vaughn, ON won both the 3000m and 5000m in the ACC regional Championships in Clemson, SC this past weekend.  Justyn will compete at the Division I NCAA Indoor Championship on March 9 and 10 in College Station, TX.

He has set personal bests indoor this season at mile 3:55.82, 3000m 7:45.86 and 5000m 13:50.79. This 21 year old Syracuse senior may follow in the footsteps of fellow Ontarian, Mo Ahmed, the 27 year old, Wisconsin graduate who now trains in Portland with the Bowerman Track Club. He holds the Canadian indoor records of 3000m in 7:40.11 and 5000m in 13:04.60.

Bolade Ajomale of Richmond Hill, ON  a student at the Academy of the Arts in San Francisco ran seasonal bests of 60m in 6.63 and 200m in 20.67 in Boston last weekend. This puts him in favourable position to challenge for gold at the Division II NCAA Championships in Pittsburg, Kansas March 9 and 10.

U20 Athletes, Karson Kowalchuk and Owen Day break into Canada's TOP 30 List

There is no bigger transition in the sport of track and field than to move from the U20 ranks to open competition. Two newcomers may be making that big leap this indoor season. 

Karson Kowalchuk will be 19 years of age until December 30, 2018, but he has edged his way into the indoor TOP 30 list with a 6.72 clocking over 60m last weekend. Now a sophomore at Mississippi State, the Markham, ON athlete, turned everyone heads when he won the sprints at the 2017 Winnipeg, Canada Summer Games in 10.38 and 20.88.  Is he a candidate to crack into our national sprint team for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo?

Also turning 20 this year on July 21, is Owen Day now a freshman at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti. In 2017 Owen obtained his high school diploma from Dusseldorf International School in Germany where his father serves in the NATO Forces in the Lower Rhine. He recorded a time of 3:44.38 in 2017 while running with SC Bayer Uerdingen in Germany.  This ranked him the fastest U20 middle distance runner in Germany and just behind Canadian U20 runner, Kyle Madden who recorded a 3:44.19. The Ottawa native ran the mile in 4:02.77 last weekend to move to the TOP 30 List for Canada. What does the future hold for this student-athlete?

Alysha Newman and Brittany Crew hit new Canadian Indoor Records

Track and field statistics can be very confusing, even for the initiated, in this complex collection of events known internationally as Athletics.   This Athletics name is confusing in North America as Track and Field is in general use and difficult to displace. Throw Road Racing and Cross Country into the mix and we are all wondering, what is going on. This series has used the IAAF point tables to try and give a creditable method to compare the various events against one another.  

Four Canadian Indoor Records have fallen this season to our female athletes.  Only 3 of these marks make it to our Top 30 list as it takes over 1100 IAAF points to get on the list.

 Brittany Crew's new shot put record of 18.20m scores 1095 IAAF points, just missing the Canadian Top 30 list.  Does this reflect her international status? Not in anyway. Her world ranking is 8th on the world list at the moment and important for the upcoming Commonwealth Games. This throw of 18.20m ranks second in the Commonwealth behind Jamaica's Danniel Thomas-Dodd who has a mark of 19.05m

Alysha Newman record jump of 4.66m in the pole vault gets 1164 IAAF points and it ranks her 7th on the world list and number one on the Commonwealth 2018 marks just ahead of Great Britain's Holly Bradshaw's mark of 4.60m.

Kate Van Buskirk and Sage Watson's Canadian records in the mile and 300m respectively score well on the IAAF table with 1171 and 1158 points. These particular events are seldom run outside of the US and therefore difficult to world rank appropriately.

Athletics Canada names 2018 IAAF World Indoor

Championships team

14 February 2018 OTTAWA  

Athletics Canada named 14 athletes today, four men and 10 women, to represent Canada at the 2018 IAAF World Indoor Championships that will take place in Birmingham, U.K., from Thursday, March 1, to Sunday, March 4. The team is led by an Olympic medallist, World Champion and features nine athletes who have competed in an IAAF World Championships or Olympic final.

“The World Indoor Championships in Birmingham are a great competitive opportunity for Canadian athletes,” said Glenroy Gilbert, Athletics Canada’s head coach. “The four-day meet will see some of our top current and upcoming athletes go up against some of the world’s best. This is a small, but highly competitive team. The standards to make the team were rigorous and we feel those competing in Birmingham are ready to reach finals and compete for medals.”  

Leading the charge will be 2016 Olympic bronze medallist in the decathlon, Damian Warner of London, Ont., and 2015 IAAF World Champion in the pole vault, Shawn Barber. Warner received an invitation to take part in the heptathlon and looks to challenge for the world title and threaten the Canadian record in the event. Barber appears to be rounding to form at the right time after achieving the world indoor standard this past weekend in Poland.

“It’s an honour to be invited to compete for Canada at the World Indoor Championships,” said Warner, who won bronze in the decathlon at the 2016 Olympics. “The 2018 IAAF World Indoors will be a great way for our team to build momentum going into this spring’s Commonwealth Games and beyond. The roster is small but features a very talented group of athletes. I know each of them will look to make their mark in Birmingham.”

Joining Warner and Barber will be 2017 World Championships finalists: Crystal Emmanuel of Pickering, Ont. (60-metres), Geneviève Lalonde of Moncton, N.B. (3000-metre), Alysha Newman of London, Ont. (pole vault), Brittany Crew of Toronto (shot put) and 2016 Olympic Games finalist Johnathan Cabral (60-metre hurdles).

Newman and Crew both recently improved their Canadian indoor records and appear to be ready for their shot at a medal in Birmingham. Emmanuel set a season’s best of 7.28 seconds and Cabral won the 60-metre hurdles at the Grand Prix d’Athlétisme de Montréal. Last weekend, Lalonde also became the third fastest Canadian ever at 3000-metres clocking a time of 8:49.78.

Kate Vanbuskirk of Brampton, Ont., has been sensational this indoor track season. Over the past month, she’s broken the Canadian indoor mile record and became the second fastest Canadian 3000-metre performer of all-time. Her mile time of 4:26.92 is currently the fastest in the world for 2018.

“Any opportunity to wear the red and white of Canada on the international stage is an honour and a privilege,” said Vanbuskirk who will compete in the 1500-metres. “I know that I am representing not only myself, but my teammates and coaches, family and friends, community, city, province and my country. This is my first national team in three and half years and I couldn’t be more proud of or grateful for this opportunity.”

Tim Nedow of Brockville, Ont., has been a stalwart on major championship teams over the past five years and looks to compete for a podium spot in Birmingham. Nedow has been flirting with the 21-metre mark this winter. His season’s best of 20.82-metres has him ranked seventh in the world for 2018.

Other Canadians competing in Birmingham include: Travia Jones of Saskatoon (400-metres), Kelsey Balkwill of Essex, Ont. (400-metres), Jenna Westaway of Calgary (800-metres), Gabriela Stafford of Toronto (1500-metres) and Christabel Nettey of Surrey, B.C. (long jump).