Over the course of the last few months, Athletics Canada has been working with Fédération Québecoise d’Athlétisme on a number of different possible scenarios for the Olympic and Paralympic Trials presented by Bell, to be held in Montreal from June 24 to 27, 2021.
Various scenarios have been explored to ensure Canadian athletes have a safe and performance-friendly atmosphere to challenge for, and solidify, a place on the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic teams.
“We are building our plan to provide a safe, healthy environment for everyone involved with the 2021 Olympic and Paralympic Trials presented by Bell,” said David Bedford, Athletics Canada’s Chief Executive Officer. “With the help of our sport, government and corporate partners, we are looking forward to some of Canada’s best track and field athletes making more history in Canada’s first Olympic city.”
A general format for the event has been approved by the Athletics Canada Board of Directors and shared with our members. Athletics Canada reserves the right to change, alter or modify the format of Trials based on evolving restrictions and public health measures that may evolve in the coming months.
Athletics Canada is also actively working to support competitive opportunities across the country to allow athletes the chance to compete with their safety in mind by minimizing travel. More information will be shared as it becomes available.
Format of Trials
- Competition program will focus on events with Games selection implications. The events may include the Decathlon and / or Heptathlon.
- A limited number of coaches, staff and volunteers will have access to the event site.
- Entries by invitation only; number of competitors per event will also be limited.
- U20 competition will not be on the program.
- No spectators.
Tokyo selection implications
- Competing at the Trials will no longer be a requirement for Olympic or Paralympic nomination.
- The Trials will retain its World Athletics category “B” status for World Ranking point bonuses.
- The winner of each able-bodied event at the Trials, if qualified and eligible, will be automatically nominated for the Tokyo Olympic Games.
- The relative performances of Para athletes at the Trials will be a major factor in the Paralympic team nomination process; exact details to be determined.
Key dates
- Athletics Canada will announce the competition program by May 14, 2021.
- Athletes will receive invitations beginning May 17, 2021.
- Entries will close on June 10, 2021.
- Olympic Nomination meeting will take place on July 2, 2021.
- Paralympic Nomination meeting will be held on July 21, 2021.
