‘Better days are coming’ as members of the Canadian 400-metre relay teams set sights on building off break-out season

By: Jonathan Yue

 

The last few months have been filled with uncertainty, with the postponing and rescheduling of many events, facility closures, and more. The light at the end of the tunnel is slowly now peeking into sight.

Last week the Diamond League and European track circuit announced their revamped schedule, tentatively set for an August start and running until October. This week, Athletics Canada also announced their Back on Track task force, initiating the first steps of getting the sport of athletics back across Canada.

Canadian athletes of all levels are patiently waiting for that day when they can safely return to the track with their teammates. Members of the 4x400-metre relay teams are no different, as Philip Osei, Maya Stephens, and Austin Cole are eager to see the strides they can make after a breakout 2019 season.

“Last season was amazing,” said Osei, the 2020 U Sports 300-metre champion. “It finally felt like we were making that breakthrough that we needed. As a collective, everyone is stepping up and creating a solid relay pool. Now you don’t really need to travel overseas just to get some great 400-metre competitions because it is already in our own back yard.”

Beginning their season in Baton Rouge and Penn Relays, to the World Relays in Yokohama, Japan, and the World Championships in Doha, Qatar, the trio of men’s, women’s, and mixed relay teams had ample opportunity to build chemistry between each other, and it showed on the big stage.

The new Canadian mixed squad quickly came together to set a new Canadian record at the World Relays, dropping 3:16.78 to shatter the previous record of 3:23.60, to complement their World silver medal. The women’s team also saw success at the Pan American Games, coming out with a silver medal of their own. A year later, Maya Stephens believes that bond between the team members is stronger and they are motivated to see what they can do.

“We have such a talented group of ladies,” said Stephens, who set a new 400-metre personal-best last season at 52.74. “We are really just scratching the surface when it comes to what we can accomplish. The bond and chemistry formed between us played a huge role in our success and we have only gotten closer since then.”

“The next steps leading up to the 2021 Olympics for myself and our relay team is to just fine tune our talents and continue to push ourselves in order to get to the next level. I am very confident that we will have a successful year, and this time away has just gave us extra time to ensure that.”

With dates set and busy 2021, 2022, and 2023 seasons (with back to back World Championships following the Tokyo Olympics), it’s about mapping the best course of action. But the overall goal hasn’t changed according to NACAC U23 bronze medallist and 2019 U Sports 300-metre champion and record-holder Austin Cole.

“My coach and I were expecting a much later season if there was one, so plans haven’t changed much,” Cole said. “We’ve had to get creative with some workouts, been doing a lot of exercises I have never done, so there is variety in that. But the workouts definitely feel harder without having your training partners working out with you so having an actual schedule can help us set goals and stay motivated.”

“Our next step forward is obviously get faster and stay consistent,” added Cole, echoing what coach Glenroy Gilbert has preached throughout the year. “We have to be able to produce results on demand, and be ready to compete against teams like USA if we want a chance at a medal at the 2021 Olympics.”

With a strong pool of runners like Sage Watson, Kyra Constantine, Aiyanna-Brigitte Stiverne, Maddie Price, and Alicia Brown on the women’s side, and Graeme Thompson, Daniel Harper on the men’s side, the depth and talent will be there for many years to come.

With things slowly coming together and dates to look forward to, it is about staying patient and ready. When the time comes to return to the track, they’ll be ready as a full team.

“The rising competition in Canada is very healthy and promotes strong performances,” Cole describes. “We all know what everyone is capable of so we need to bring our A game to every race.”

Osei adds, “I’m extremely motivated. This whole situation has been tough for everyone and it finally feels like a weight is being lifted off our shoulders. It’s great to see that we are finally moving in the right direction. Better days are coming.”

Discus Form Feature Bg

Subscribe to the Media Distribution List

SUPPORT THE TEAM SUPPORT THE TEAM SUPPORT THE TEAM SUPPORT THE TEAM SUPPORT THE TEAM
Grey Hoodie
SafeSport Website Graphic Small Text

Safe Sport: Promotion. Prevention. Response.

Athletics Canada Safe Sport
surya168 akun pro thailand slot gacor maxwin akunjp daftar slot gacor judi bola situs judi bola resmi