Spotlight on Canada: Team Trials begin

By Tamika Forrester
Canadian track enthusiasts long for the glory days of Olympic champion Donovan Bailey and Olympic silver medalist Bruny Surin. Sadly the era of Canada's dominance in sprinting seems a faded memory as Jamaica and the USA have owned the sport in the past decade. But don't count Canadians out just yet we're known to turn out a scintillating performance or two when least expected.

Canada's World Trials begin today at the Foothills Athletic Park in Calgary, Alberta where the nation's best line up to vie for a spot on the team. Interestingly, the buzz comes NOT from the track but rather its less glamourous counterpart, the field.

Canada current No. 1
Shot putter Dylan Armstrong, who was a centimetre short of copping the bronze medal in the Beijing olympics, is arguably having the season of his life. Last month he set a new Canadian record with an amazing throw of 21.72 metres. He's currently leading on the prestigious Samsung Diamond League circuit.



The women's 100m hurdles packs the heat
In 2003 world Champion Perdita Felicien started the trend of Canada doing well in the highly intense obstacle event. Perdita's teammate Priscilla Lopes-Schliep gave Canada a bronze medal in 2008 and a silver at the 2009 world championships. Lopes-Schliep is expecting her first child in September and will not be in competition this year. But the audience can expect a good performance from the now Calgary based Perdita who's already run under 13 seconds this year. She will be seeking her 10th National title

Heptathlon also in the mix

London, Ontario native Jessica Zelinka will be in action, looking to better her Canadian record of 353 points in the Heptathlon

Canada's Fastest Man

The young but much heralded sprinter Sam Effah could be the one to revive Canadian sprinting. Last year he clocked an eye-popping 10.06 - only four Canadians in history have run 100 metres faster. That's VERY encouraging. Sam's best this year is only 10.37 but there's still plenty of time to whip himself in shape for the worlds' in Daegu, South Korea.

Fans can watch live coverage of the championships in Calgary on Saturday (CBC, CBCSports.ca, 4 p.m. ET)

After national trials, fans can turn their attention to an impressive line up of international track meets in Canada. This is part of the inaugural National Track League. Maybe this will finally garner some well needed attention to a sport that's been relegated to the backseat well behind the popular hockey and basketball.


Up coming Track Meets:
Edmonton International Track Classic Edmonton AB June 29
Harry Jerome International Track Classic Vancouver BC July 1
Victoria International Track Classic Victoria BC July 3
Aileen Meagher International Track Classic Halifax NS July 10
Toronto International Track & Field Games Toronto, ON July 13