2009

2009

Taking place just two weeks before Canadian and U.S. national championships, the July 14 meet was a warm and sunny tune-up for athletes on both sides of the border. Several local athletes thrilled the crowds with winning performances. Kamloops native and 2007 World Championship silver medalist Gary Reed ran away with the men’s 800 metres in a convincing 1:45.95. Dylan Armstrong showed the form that gave him fourth place at the Beijing Olympics with a 20.58-m shot put. SFU grad Ruky Abdulai broke the meet record in the long jump with a leap of 6.60.

International athletes also provided exciting entertainment for track fans. 2008 U.S. high jump champion Jesse Williams tied the 21-year-old meet record of 2.31. Nine-time NCAA champion Sally Kipyego showed typical Kenyan form in taking the women’s 1500 metres over Kelowna’s Malindi Elmore, clocking 4:07.68. American Will Leer outkicked compatriot Stephen Pifer to win the men’s 1500 in 3:39.76. Jamaican sprinter Lerone Clarke beat Albertan speedsters Sam Effah and Brian Barnett in the men’s 100m, with a personal best of 10.22.