Back at the track
Even the weather co-operated Thursday night for Niagara Olympic Club’s first twilight meet of the summer.
The skies cleared after several hours of rain as almost 300 athletes converged to compete at the club under what turned out to be ideal conditions.
Niagara Olympic Club president and coach Sharon Stewart was thrilled just to be back at the track, regardless of the weather.
“It’s tremendous. It’s almost close to normal and that’s a good feeling,” she said.
NOC will also host meets July 22 and July 31 which will give athletes a chance to prepare for the provincials in August.
The club had originally hoped to host the meets beginning in June but had to wait for the next phase of opening by the provincial government.
“There are not a lot of track meets offered because not a lot of tracks are accessible. It depends on the region and the rules. We were fortunate to be able to open up here,” Stewart said.
Stewart said the club still maintained COVID precautions as they did at last summer’s meets, but that some of the restrictions had been eased.
“The good thing now with the regulations from Athletics Canada is we can use all lanes,” she said. “Last summer we used every other lane. Using every lane makes it more race-like for the athletes.”
Coaches were permitted on the field but spectators had to watch from outside the fence. As well, athletes warmed up in an adjacent field and were instructed to leave as soon as their event was complete. Athletes were not required to wear a mask while competing.
Johnathan Jacob of Athletics Niagara was the top local performer, placing first in the men’s long jump with a leap of 7.07 metres
Samual Jeffery of Athletics Niagara placed second in the men’s high jump with a leap of 1.60 metres while Carson Gauthier of the Thorold Elite Track Club was second in the men’s discus with a throw of 43.44 metres. Ashtynn Caldwell of NOC was second in the women’s high jump at 1.55.
Tristan McDougall finished third in the men’s javelin with a throw of 50.67 metres, while Audrey Newton of NOC was third in the women’s 300 in a time of 50.10.
John Campbell of Athletics Niagara was fourth in the men’s long jump with a leap of 5.89 metres while Gwendolyn Cudmore of Thorold Elite was fourth in the women’s high jump with a leap of 1.55.
Ravi Hollo of NOC was fifth in the men’s discus with a throw of 37.26 metres. Olivia Davidson of NOC was fifth in the women’s javelin with a throw of 30.59 metres.
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