From provincial championships to international representation, Ryan Lofstrom has steadily risen through the ranks, earning recognition as one of Canada's top young sprinters. As he prepares to begin the next chapter of his athletic career at Rutgers University, Lofstrom reflects on the milestones that have shaped him and the exciting opportunities awaiting him.
Personal Bests
100m: 10.63
200m: 21.08
Career Accolades
2023 U18 BC Track & Field Athlete of the Year
5th in 100m at Commonwealth Youth Games
BC Summer Games Champion: 100m, 200m, 4x100m
4th Fastest 200m in U18 Canadian History
For those unfamiliar, Rutgers University, located in New Brunswick, New Jersey, is a prestigious institution with a storied history dating back to 1766, making it one of the oldest universities in the United States. Its Scarlet Knights compete in the Big Ten Conference, a powerhouse of collegiate athletics known for fostering elite talent across all sports. Student-athletes at Rutgers are known for excelling on and off the track, supported by a vibrant campus community and proximity to major cities like New York and Philadelphia. With its focus on competition at the highest level and a commitment to developing well-rounded individuals, Rutgers offers an ideal environment for athletes like Lofstrom to thrive.
Reflecting on how he got his start in track and field, Ryan shares: "I started running track at the age of nine when I signed up for the St. Albert Mustangs track team. After my first practice with the team, I fell in love with the sport and knew that running was what I was meant to do."
Among the many standout moments of his career, one remains closest to his heart. "I have made lots of great memories whilst running track, but I would say my favorite one was when I got to represent my country at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago," he says. "Representing my country was always a dream of mine, so for that dream to become a reality was truly a surreal experience."
That being said, high school presented its share of challenges and triumphs for Lofstrom. "So far in my high school track career, I've been able to win the 2023 provincial titles in the 100m and 200m," he recalls. "However, at provincials in 2022, I didn't achieve the same results, which opened my eyes to how hard you truly have to work to become a provincial champion. That realization inspired me to push myself even harder in practice."