Athletics Canada, in partnership with the Vancouver Sun Harry Jerome Track Classic, has announced the 21 athletes who will compete in the Team Sprint Challenge – a 10-event dual meet between the fastest sprinters from Canada and China – on June 26-27 at Swangard Stadium.
The Canadian team, led by Athletics Canada head coach Glenroy Gilbert, will feature triple Olympic medallist Andre De Grasse, members of the men’s Olympic bronze medal-winning 4x100-metre relay team, Canadian/NCAA Champion Sage Watson and more.
“It’s an honour to compete in Canada’s longest running track and field meet. Our relay teams understand the calibre of the event that will take place in front of a home crowd, recognizing that they are up against a strong contingent from China. Our teams feature a mix of world-class and upcoming athletes, we look forward to a spirited match,” said Gilbert.
“It’ll be an excellent tune up for our athletes, a week out from the Canadian Championships and a month from the NACAC Championships. We look to capitalize on this opportunity and carry the momentum into Toronto.”
Canada’s 100 metre and 4x100 metre teams also includes: Aaron Brown (Star Athletics), Sam Effah (University of Calgary), Gavin Smellie (Flying Angels) and Mobolade Ajomale (Flying Angels).
Confirmed for the men’s 4x400 relay team are: Austin Cole (Capital City), Tremaine Harris, Daniel Harper, Phillip Osei and Khamal Stewart-Baynes (House of Roots).
The Canadian women’s 100 metre and 4x100 metre team will be led by Leya Buchanan who has the nation’s fastest clocking so far this year at the SAAC Championships in Waco, Texas last month at 11.52. The senior at Oklahoma University also won her first Big 12 60 metre indoor title back in February. She is joined by Khamica Bingham (Brampton Track Club), Farah Jacques (Permax-Racing), Whitney Rowe and Leah Walkeden (Green and Gold Track).
Canada’s 4x400 relay team will feature Alicia Brown, Micha Powell, Madeline Price, Aiyanna Stiverne and Sage Watson.
Tickets for the Harry Jerome Track Classic are on sale now at www.harryjerome.com (individual, group, VIP and two-day event passes). Last year, the event sold out and this year’s event promises to be the best yet, therefore, track and field fans are encouraged to act fast.
