BC Future Stars: Meet Alexa Dow and Charlie Mlotshwa!

We're excited to highlight two rising stars in this edition of our BC Future Stars series:  Charlie Mlotshwa and Alexa Dow. If you're following BC and Canadian athletics, you likely already know these two names - they've been making headlines everywhere they go, making it impossible not to talk about them even more!

Charlie Mlotshwa has quickly emerged in both British Columbia and national rankings. After a successful 2023 and 2024 track and field season, he is eager to make his mark in the upcoming cross-country trails of Canada. Mlotshwa began running in elementary school, and after moving to Victoria he joined the Prairie Inn Harriers Running Club, where he trains under Olympian Bruce Deacon.

In 2022, Mlotshwa became the BC High School Junior XC Champion and continued to build momentum into the 2023 track season. He ran an impressive 8:39.55 in the 3,000m at the BC High School Track and Field Championships, breaking the meet record. Later, he ran 8:32.55 at the U20 Bell Canadian Track and Field Championships, finishing fifth. His 1,500m time of 3:55.57 at the Victoria Track Classic led the nation in the U18 division.

Fast-forward to 2024, at U20 Nationals, he took home silver in the U20 Men's 3000m, clocking in at 8:28. His consistency and growth prove that he's one to watch closely. He also competed at the 2024 Harry Jerome Track Classic, where he placed sixth in the Men's National B 1500m section with a time of 3:51.29. This performance ranked first in Canada for the event in the U18 division.

For the 2024 cross-country season, Mlotshwa's dominance is already on display. He recently won the Senior Boys' race at the Lambrick Park Meet. With the BC High School Championships and ACXC on the horizon, he's just getting started.