John Gay wins second title in Canada's Obstacle Course in final adjustments to World Champion

LANGLEY, B.C. — This time last year , John Gay was chasing the Olympic 3,000-meter obstacle course standard in heavy rains in Montreal. There was no one to push him or any fans to support him.

In the most memorable race of the trial, he won the 200 meters and ticketed to Tokyo.

A 25-year-old woman from Kelowna, British Columbia, ran several companies this time around.

He distanced Ryan Smeton on the final lap and cheered from fans of McLeod Athletic Park at 8 minutes 20.77 seconds. COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease.

Ottawa's Smeton ran 8: 23.81 and finished second. Quebec City's Jean-Simon Desgagnes was third at 8: 26.01

"It's different if someone is breathing from the neck like that, but that's how the race should be," Gay said. "So some guys are behind me. Thank you for pushing me from. "

Gay last year's Tokyo Olympic Standards when his guts told him to stay in Canada during a stopover in Montreal. I was on my way to Europe for my last shot at. I didn't have that drama this year.

"That was the exact opposite," he said. I slept in my bed (in Vancouver). I spent a day relaxing at home on my sofa. In fact, a year after last year, it's unrealistic that everything came naturally this year.

"I certainly don't want to take it for granted, especially I know how tough and unforgiving this sport is," he added. So you have to ride the waves when you catch it, and I think you've caught a good one now. "

Canadian Championship will be in Ottawa on July 15-24. This is your last chance to meet the qualifying criteria for the World Championships in Eugene. You can also choose players based on world rankings.

Gay and Smeton already meet the global criteria. Gay hopes Friday's tough race will end Desganjes, a medical student at Laval University, a spot for the team based on rankings.

Ceili McCabe in Vancouver Won the women's 3,000-meter obstacle race at 9: 30.69, slightly below the world standard for 9:30 flats.

Regan Yee of South Hazelton, British Colombia won the silver medal (9: 31.77). Ei, who participated in the Tokyo Olympics, has already participated. He had Olympic standards.

Gay said he was bittersweet to race with the public after Canada's longtime steeplechase, Matt Hughes, retired due to an injury.

"I was very fortunate to have a guy like Matt Hughes. Everyone would say that my corner and Ryan and J.S. were a blessing to connect our career to his end." Said gay.

"To be able to see how he did himself with such professionalism. And it encourages to meet such a man, you he You have the opportunity to train with, go on a trip with him, and see him consistently play at the best of the best, and you think so, I can do that too You can.'

"It's a bit bittersweet to have another chance to play him in the national championship, but I hope he's seen it. If so, pave the way. A big thank you to Matt. "

Calgary's Siena McDonald won the heptathlon with a score of 5,643. Kelowna's Rostam Turner won 6,418 to win the heptathlon.

Victoria's Adam Keenan won the men's hammer throw with a 75.17 meter toss. Marjurite Lorenzo of Montreal cleared 1.80 meters and defeated Barbara Bichoca in the jump-off to win the women's high jump.

This report by Canadian Press was first published on June 24, 2022.