Records, rising stars and unforgettable performances light up Swangard Stadium
On a warm July afternoon at Swangard Stadium, the 2026 Jerome Classic part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze once again brought together Olympic medallists, international stars, Canadian champions and the next generation of athletics talent. From meet records to national records, hometown victories and breakthrough performances, here are ten moments that defined this year’s Jerome Classic.
1. Sarah Mitton makes it three straight meet records
There may not have been a more dominant performance all afternoon than Sarah Mitton’s.
The two-time Olympian and World Championship medallist launched the shot put 20.66 metres to improve her own Jerome Classic record for the third consecutive appearance. Even more impressive, four of her six throws travelled beyond 20 metres, a remarkable display of consistency.
The winning mark was just two centimetres shy of her Canadian record.
“It honestly feels pretty good. I was able to use the energy of the crowd here and build a little bit more speed… that’s only 2 cm under my lifetime best. So I’m pretty happy to do that—and even more happy to do it in Canada.”
Earlier in the day, when asked to describe how she felt entering the competition in one word, Mitton simply answered:
“Potential.”
2. Jamar Marshall Jr. blazes to a new meet record
The fastest hurdles race in Jerome Classic history belonged to Jamar Marshall Jr.
The American sprint hurdler stormed to victory in 13.33, breaking the meet record of 13.44 set just one year earlier.
Making his Jerome Classic debut and first visit to Vancouver, Marshall embraced both the competition and the atmosphere, joking afterwards that he even managed to spot Drake during his stay in Canada.
3. Jonathan Podbielski delivers a hometown masterpiece
The men’s 1500 metres produced one of the most tactical races of the afternoon.
Rather than chase the pace early, Canadian Jonathan Podbielski patiently waited before unleashing a devastating final lap to capture victory in a Jerome Classic record 3:38.57.
“I switched the mindset from running fast to more of a winning-the-race strategy. I was able to sit on the leader and catch him on the home stretch.”
For the Canadian rising star, the result continues an exciting progression before beginning his collegiate career at the University of Washington.
4. Maya Piesik rewrites Canadian history—again
Fifteen-year-old Maya Piesik continues to redefine what’s possible for Canadian race walking.
Although finishing second behind Canadian veteran Olivia Lundman, Piesik broke her own Canadian U18 record with 14:06.64.
The Burnaby native continues to add to an already remarkable résumé that includes multiple national age-group records and championships.
5. Canada’s throwers put on a show
Canadian athletes once again demonstrated why the country continues to rank among the world’s best throwing nations.
Sarah Mitton’s meet record highlighted the women’s shot put.
In the men’s hammer throw, Rowan Hamilton claimed victory with 73.87 metres despite admitting life has become much busier recently.
Describing himself as simply “tired” following the recent birth of his newborn baby, Hamilton nevertheless delivered another international-calibre performance.
Nearby, Jamaica’s Nayoka Clunis captured the women’s hammer throw with 71.15 metres.
6. Penn State teammates combine for an unforgettable 800 metres
One of the best stories of the meet came from two teammates representing different countries.
Japan’s Allon Clay won the men’s premium 800 metres in 1:44.51, while Penn State teammate Niko Schulz of Puerto Rico expertly paced the race through 600 metres before stepping aside.
“Second time running this meet and I’m happy to be here,” says Clay. “It was definitely tough, but that last 800m I just moved my arms and hoped my body would keep moving.”
Schulz adds:
“My main goal was to help set the pace for Allon to win his race.”
7. Lowell Solmes finishes his season with a perfect ending
The men’s 3000m race walk belonged to Lowell Solmes.
The Vancouver athlete produced a lifetime best of 12:16.93 to win on a course just minutes from the Killarney track where he developed under the guidance of his father, longtime Killarney Secondary coach Rob Solmes.
After the race, Solmes describes his season in one word:
“Privilege.”
He adds:
“I PB’d at every race this season.”
8. Grace Konrad returns in style
After battling injuries, Grace Konrad reminded everyone why she remains one of Canada’s premier quarter-milers.
Her winning time of 52.35 in the women’s 400 metres marked a confident return to form.
“Feeling good, coming back from injury and getting back into shape and loving the 400m.”
9. Community takes centre stage in the Fastest Run Club showdown
The Jerome Classic once again celebrated the running community through its crowd-favourite Fastest Run Club races.
Greg Rola led Striderz to victory in the men’s event, while Monique Lisek represented Kamino with a victory in the women’s race.
The races showcased the depth of Metro Vancouver’s running community while connecting grassroots athletes with an international athletics stage.
10. Another unforgettable day at Swangard
From Olympians and world medallists to national champions, local club athletes and future stars, Jerome Classic 2026 showcased exactly why the meet remains one of North America’s premier track and field competitions.
Meet records, national records, personal bests and breakthrough performances all unfolded in front of an enthusiastic crowd throughout the afternoon, continuing Harry Jerome’s legacy of bringing world-class athletics to British Columbia.
As athletes now turn their attention toward the remainder of the international season, the performances in Burnaby served as another reminder that the Jerome Classic continues to be a stage where history is made.
