The highly anticipated 40th edition of the Harry Jerome Track Classic is set to captivate athletics enthusiasts at the Township of Langley's McLeod Athletic Park. As Canada's longest-running track and field event, this meet has a rich history of attracting World Champions, record holders, and emerging talents. In this preview, we'll take a glimpse into what promises to be an electrifying event, featuring a mix of Olympians, athletes chasing World Championships standard and of course remarkable talent from British Columbia.
As a Bronze level feature on the World Athletics Continental Tour, The Harry Jerome Track Classic holds great significance. Athletes will compete for C level placing points that will contribute to their world rankings. Additionally the meet will not only showcase professional athletes, but will also provide an exciting platform for rising stars from British Columbia's high school track and field scene.
Exciting Events to Watch
In the 100m dash, watch out for the highly competitive field. Heat one will feature BC High School Provincial 110m Hurdles Champion Iyimi Fagbamiye, alongside top-seeded runner Cravon Gillespie of Nike, who boasts an impressive seed time of 9.99 seconds. Others to join Fagabamiye include Ryan Lofstrom, the BC High School Provincial Record Holder in both the Junior Boys 100m and 200m dash, Liam O'Donnell and Pishon Haughton, other BC High School Champions in their respective events. In the Women's 100m, Jordyn Reed and Makenna Self will be among the competitors, aiming to secure a spot in the final, while the top-seeded runner, Maia McCoy from the USA, sets the standard with a seasons best time of 11.08 seconds.
Standout Performers in the Middle Distance
There will be four sections of the Men's 1500m. Charlie Mlotshwa, the BC High School Junior Boys 3000m record holder will be racing along with Miles Hayden and Maverik Rahkola. On the women's side Alexa Dow the BC High School Junior Girls 800m and 1500m record holder will be running in the National B section with a group of very fast women. As for the 800m Theo Serowka, Miles Powell and Maya Baechler the BC High School and BC Jamboree 800 and 1500 Champion will be toeing the line.
Thrilling Field Events
The field events promise to be equally captivating, with athletes like Riley Malkoske showcasing their prowess in the javelin competition, while Caidyn Maver, the BC High School Senior Boys High Jump Champion, aims to make his mark in a highly competitive field. Malkoske, the 2023 BC High School Bronze Medalist will compete in a competitive field, where the top seed Marc Anthony Minichello is coming in with a season's best of 80.62m. Maver, who is coming in with a seed of 2.01m, will be in the mix with athletes who can soar to 2.20m and beyond.
Returning Champions
Having the Harry Jerome held in BC is special for all local athletes. They get to represent British Columbia on a big stage. Not to mention, a number of athletes who went through the BC High School Track and Field system will get a chance to compete back on home soil. Here are just some of those athletes
Camryn Rogers, the Canadian Record Holder in the hammer throw comes in as the top seed. Rogers placed fifth at the Tokyo Olympics, second at the 2022 World Championships and first at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Kaila Butler and Chanell Botsis will be joining her. In the men's hammer competition, Adam Keenan, a multiple-time medalist in various international championships will be going head-to-head with Rowan Hamilton. In high school Hamilton competed for Sardis Secondary where he won various titles at the BC High School Track and Field Championships. During his time at the University of British Columbia he became a 3-time NAIA Champion.
The BC trio who represented Canada at last year's World Championships will compete in the steeplechase. Olympian Regan Yee and NCAA All-Americans Ceili McCabe and Grace Fetherstonhaugh will be among a competitive field.
The Harry Jerome Track Classic is poised to deliver an unforgettable showcase of athletic excellence, with a perfect blend of seasoned champions, aspiring talents, and rising stars. Stay tuned for this captivating event that celebrates the spirit of track and field!