Athletics Canada announced today that Daundre Barnaby, the Olympic runner who passed away suddenly March 27, will be honoured this season with a memorial patch on the 2015 Pan American Games national team uniform.

Daundre died suddenly in a freak accident while in St. Kitts with teammates at a national team warm weather training camp; Athletics Canada mourns the loss of Daundre Barnaby. Daundre would have competed in the Pan American Games in both the 400-metres and 4x400-metres relay.

Athletics Canada is still working with the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) to also get permission to wear the memorial patch on uniforms at the 2015 IAAF World Championships in Beijing, China.

The memorial insignia is also on display at athletics.local. The design was created pro bono by Vic Finucci of Finucci Communications, “It is a very, very tragic situation, I can’t imagine what that must have been like. It has really left an impression on me. I am donating my time in his memory and offer sincere condolences to his family.”

“The idea was presented to us by Daundre’s teammates,” said Mathieu Gentès, Athletics Canada Director, Public Relations and Corporate Services. “We immediately reached out to Nike, our national team apparel partner, and the IAAF for approval. Both organizations were entirely supportive, allowing us to move forward quickly with the initiative.”

Daundre Barnaby represented Canada at the 2012 Olympic Games, the 2014 World Relay Championships and at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. The 400-metres specialist was also an integral component of the 4x400-metres relay program. 

Athletics Canada will continue to support Daundre’s family, friends and teammates and is evaluating other opportunities to honour his life, and to support his legacy.

Daundre at the 2012 Olympic Track and Field Trials

Daundre at the 2012 Olympic Games

Daundre at the 2014 Commonwealth Games (400m)

Daundre at the 2014 Commonwealth Games (4x400m)