Athletics Canada’s Hall of Fame will welcome five inductees in 2016 as Tim Berrett, Tyler Christopher, Perdita Felicien, John Stanton and Gary Reed have received the nod from the Hall of Fame Selection Committee.
The induction ceremony will take place in Edmonton, Alta., on July 6 ahead of the start of the Canadian Track and Field Championships and Selection Trials for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Gala will also honour Athletics Canada’s 2015 annual award winners.
Tickets to the Gala are only $20 until June 30, space is limited, act fast.
Athletics Canada Hall of Fame Class of 2016
Tim Berrett – athlete
Tyler Christopher – athlete
Perdita Felicien – athlete
John Stanton – builder
Gary Reed – athlete
Tim Berrett (Edmonton, Alta) represented Canada in the race walk at an impressive five Olympic Games in a row beginning in 1992 through to the 2008 Games in Beijing. ""It's an honour to be called into the Athletics Canada Hall of Fame and to be able to 'walk the hallway' with this year's other nominees as well as the illustrious athletes and builders who have been inducted in the past." His athletics career also included nine IAAF World Championships and a bronze medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games. Berrett currently sits on the Athletics Canada Board of Directors and also stays involved in the sport by delivering grassroots clinics in Edmonton area schools. Berrett won an astounding 11 national titles in the 20-kilometres race walk over a two-decade period.
Tyler Christopher (Edmonton, Alta) retired in 2011 and remains the Canadian record-holder in the 400-metres with a time of 44.44 set at the 2005 IAAF World Championships where he won bronze. “It is such an honour to be inducted into the Athletics Canada Hall of Fame with some of my former teammates, especially with the ceremony taking place in my hometown.” Tyler’s accomplishments also include a World Indoor title in 2008 and a silver medal at the 2007 Pan American Games. His decorated career also saw a title at the 2004 NACAC under-23 Championships, a sixth place finish at the 2007 IAAF World Championships. In 2005 Tyler won Athletics Canada’s Jack W. Davies trophy as Overall Outstanding Athlete. Christopher won national titles in the 400-metres in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
Perdita Felicien (Pickering, Ont) is one of Canada’s best known and decorated track and field athletes. “I started this sport at age nine because a teacher suggested it. Twenty-five years later who knew it would be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I am honoured and thrilled to have my achievements recognized in this way. A big thanks to Athletics Canada and everyone who has supported me on and off the track.” The 100-metre hurdler is a two-time World Champion (2003 and 2004), and twice won World Championship silver (2007 and 2010). She also owns a pair of silver medals from the Pan American Games (2003 and 2007). Felicien won ten national titles during her illustrious career, and still holds both the indoor and outdoor national records. Away from the track Perdita has been a long time advocate for social responsibility as an ambassador for Right to Play. Now a broadcast journalist, she will be a part of CBC’s broadcast team at the Rio Olympic Games. Perdita is currently working on her first book about sport, and her experience as a first generation Canadian.
John Stanton, founder of Running Room, is a best-selling author of ten books and has helped close to a million people do everything from learning to run to completing marathons. “I am both honoured and humbled. It is with great anticipation that I look forward to joining the Athletics Canada Hall of Fame on July 6, especially with the event being held in my hometown of Edmonton.” John opened the first Running Room storey in 1984, now Running Room is one of North America’s most recognized names in running with 120 stores and 1,300 employees in North America. A member of the Order of Canada, John has been recognized by numerous groups and associations as a positive driving force in healthy active living.
Gary Reed (Kamloops, B.C.) won six Canadian titles in the 800-metres and represented Canada in two Olympic Games (2004 and 2008). “Athletics has given me so much and I will be forever grateful to the sport. Being inducted into the Hall of Fame and recognized for the impact I have had on the sport is an amazing honor, one I will be proud and excited to share with my family.’’ In Beijing at the 2008 Olympic Games Gary just missed the podium, finishing in fourth place. At the 2007 World Championships Reed won silver, and he still holds the Canadian 800-metres record of 1:43.68.
For more on Athletics Canada’s Hall of Fame and a complete list of inductees visit http://www.halloffame.athletics.local.
