Over the weekend, Aidan Turner accomplished a remarkable feat by setting a new U20 Canadian Record in the Heptathlon, solidifying his status as a two-time Canadian record holder. But to truly appreciate this achievement, let's rewind to where it all began.
At the age of nine, Turner embarked on his journey in athletics under the guidance of his mother, Michaela Colluney, herself a former elite hurdler. Introduced to the sport through a Junior Development Program, Turner quickly discovered his passion for multi-events and began honing his skills.
As every athlete understands, the path to success is fraught with both triumphs and setbacks. Like many, Turner faced the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he used this period of uncertainty to intensify his focus on his craft, emerging stronger and more determined than ever. Emerging from that period of no competition, Turner broke the U18 BC record in the Decathlon with a points total of 6358 points. In 2022 at the BC High School Track and Field Championships he went on to break the Canadian U18 Decathlon record with a points total of 6817.
Fast forward to 2024, and Turner finds himself in the midst of his freshman collegiate season at California State University Long Beach. He opened his season at the Air Force Lindeman Classic in late January, where he competed in a wide range of events from long jump (7.39m), shot put (12.66m) to the 60m hurdles (8.37s). Just a few weeks later he was at the Don Kirby Invitational, again competing in a variety of events.
However, it was at the MPSF Conference Championships where Turner truly left his mark on the record books. Turner competed in the heptathlon, long jump and pole vault. He placed second in the pole vault with a mark of 3.70m and 10th in the long jump with a leap of 6.80m. As for the heptathlon he came out victorious winning by over 300 points with a total of 5092 points. His marks were as follows: 60m (7.01s), long jump (6.98m), shot put (11.89m), high jump (1.88m), 60m hurdles (8.60s), pole vault (4.61m), 1000m (3:20.28). It was with this score that Turner broke the U20 Canadian Record. .
We can't wait to see what outdoors brings!