The track season has already come and gone! Before the cross country season kicks into high gear, we wanted to have a look back at the season this year.
In this article, we'll be focusing on some of the top stories from the boys' side- from outstanding season performances to broken records and beyond. So much happened this year, so unfortunately we can't highlight everything!
Riley Simmonds Breaks Record
Simmonds had a great season this year - from BC High School Champion to breaking an old Canadian Record, he's made a name for himself this year.
Simmonds took down a stacked field in the Junior Boys 1500m Final at the BC High School Track and Field Championship, taking the crown in a close finish for the podium spots. In another close race, he finished just off the podium in the Junior Boys 3000m Final.
Down in Eugene, Oregon, at the Nike Outdoor Nationals, Simmonds ran under the old U18 Canadian Mile Record of 4:10.76 set by Olympian Lucas Bruchet. Simmonds ran 4:06.92 to become the second-fastest U18 Canadian male at the distance, as competitor Brody Clark ran 4:04 the same weekend.
Simmonds won the BC Championships title in the U18 Boys 1500m by over 10 seconds, and also won the U18 Boys 800m. He was subsequently selected for the Legion Youth National Championships in Calgary.
At the Legion Youth National Championships, Simmonds earned a bronze medal in the U18 Boys 1500m.
Simmonds is rising to new heights, and will carry this momentum into next season!
Gursher Gabri Lead in Circle
Thrower Gabri is always busy in the field, as he is a top ranked athlete in the nation in all three of the circle throws: shot put, discus, and hammer.
Gabri won the Junior Boys Shot Put, the Junior Boys Discus, and the Junior Boys Hammer Throw in dominant fashion at the BC High School Championships. He threw meters further than his competitors, making his mark in the circle.
Gabri also won the club titles in the events, winning all three U18 circle throw events at the BC Athletics Championships.
He went on to claim the national title in the U20 Men's Hammer Throw at the Canadian Track and Field Championships in Ottawa at just 16 years old! He followed up his incredible performance at nationals with two silver medals for Team BC at the Legion Youth National Championships, in the U18 Shot Put and Hammer Throw.
Gabri is currently ranked #1 in Canada in the U18 Hammer Throw, and is ranked in the top 3 in the nation in his other events, making him one of Canada's most versatile young throwers!