March 29, 2021

CANADA'S OLYMPIC HOPEFULS WELCOME SPRING BLOSSOMS AND DREAM OF JAPAN

The 2021 outdoor track and field season begins this weekend as spring is officially underway and April brings blossoms to most of Canada. This season is marred by the ongoing concern about the impact of variants on the Covid-19 pandemic and the collision with preparation for Tokyo Olympic Games. With ongoing restrictions limiting travel south of the border, Athletics Canada has created a series of high performance opportunities in Canada.  This will open the door to Canadians obtaining the Olympic qualifications in our own country by creating sanctioned events limited to no more than 50 athletes and officials in attendance.

The 2021 Vancouver Sun Harry Jerome Track Classic is planned for the June 12th weekend. The 38th edition of Canada’s longest standing track and field meet has restructured to meet the public health requirements by extending beyond Swangard Stadium in Burnaby to include the Rashpal Dhillon Track & Field Oval at the University of British Columbia and the Hillside Stadium in Kamloops.

Meet organizer, Nigel Hole asks any athletes who may have an interest in competing register their interest by completing this online form.  Please recognize that registering on this online form does not guarantee participation.  

ONLINE FORM LINK:  https://forms.gle/nfQeTYmuxktGWgyH7

The public health regulations are sure to change by June 2021 and organizers are aiming to provide opportunities to athletes aiming to achieve qualification for the Tokyo Olympics.  The final event list inclusion will change as we move forward in these challenging times.

Canadian athletes seeking Olympic selection must meet stringent qualifications that combine Olympic qualification standards, event quotas and World Athletics ranking.  The list below is an unofficial snapshot of the current situation impacting on the size of the Canadian Olympic track and field team.  This is an ever changing assessment in our current pandemic environment and is not to be considered other than an opinion not endorsed by Athletics Canada nor the Canadian Olympic Committee.

GABRIELA DEBUES-STAFFORD
ANDRE DE GRASSE

The top Canadian performances to March 28th are listed here that include indoor marks as well as early season outdoor performances.

JUSTYN KNIGHT