Chloe Symon Opens Her Collegiate Career by Breaking the Canadian U20 Indoor 800m Record

There's nothing quite like starting a season - or a collegiate career - with a statement, and that's exactly what Chloe Symon did this weekend in Boston.

Racing in her first meet as a Washington Husky, the 18-year-old from British Columbia clocked 2:04.56 in the indoor 800m, breaking a Canadian U20 national record that had stood since 1988. It's a mark that not only sets a new national standard but also instantly places her among the top young middle-distance talents in the country.

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For anyone who's followed Symon's rise back home in BC, this performance felt less like a surprise and more like a natural next step.

Symon has long been known as one of the province's most versatile and competitive young runners. Back in 2023, she captured the U18 NACAC 400m title in 55.37, announcing herself on the international stage. At home, she became a familiar face atop podiums as a multiple-time BCSS Provincial Champion and BC Athletics Provincial Champion across both the 400m and 800m. She has also earned medals at the Canadian National Championships.

Her personal bests reflect that range and strength across events:

• 1500m - 4:30.12

• 800m - 2:04.56

• 400m - 54.24

• 200m - 24.70

Breaking a national record in your collegiate debut says something - not just about fitness, but about composure. Symon handled a fast, competitive field with confidence, locking into her rhythm and delivering a time athletes often take years to find.

For Canada, this marks the arrival of a genuine U20 contender with the potential to make an impact on both national and international stages in the years ahead. For Washington, it's the beginning of what could be a standout NCAA career.

And for BC? It's another proud moment for a province that's quietly - and consistently - producing world-class middle-distance talent.