Fastest Man in Canada Qualifies for the Olympics

Justyn Warner of Project Athletics stunned spectators by running a 10.15 100m final and qualifying for the Olympics on the fourth day of the Canadian Track and Field Trials in Calgary. Warner was closely followed by brother Ian (10.20), who runs unattached and Oluseyi Smith (10.22) from the Ottawa Lions. The talent rich heat also included hometown favourite Sam Effah, who finished eighth, and rising star Aaron Brown, who finished fifth. Warner discusses his race here.

On the women’s side, it was a photo finish for Phylicia George and Crystal Emmanuel who finished in a near tie of 11.30. George edged Emmanuel by two one hundredths of a second. George has achieved the “A” standard in this event and was offered her place on the Olympic team shortly after finishing the race. Taking home the bronze medal was Kerri-Ann Mitchell who finished in 11.34.

Look out for George tomorrow afternoon when she will be taking on three former Olympians in the 100m hurdles.

Of no surprise was the men’s 5,000m finish, with Cam Levins taking over the lead with only 200m to go. Levins admited to feeling the strain of running at altitude and noted that the race was harder than he had expected. Finishing in 14:34.82, Levins was closely followed by Ben Hubers (14:39.94), with the bronze going to Hussein Hashi (14:43.13). Levins was quickly handed his London ticket once crossing the line and confirmed with Canadian Running here that he will be competing in both the 5,000m and 10,000m at the Olympics.

Two middle distance female athletes were also invited to join the Canadian team for the 1500m, including Speed River star Hilary Stellingwerff, who finished second in her race in a time of 4:13.94, and Saucony sponsored Nicole Sifuentes, who finished third in 4:14.94. Sifuentes has Canada’s fastest time this year. Winning the race was Olympic veteran Malindi Elmore in a time of 4:13.58. Elmore has not achieved the Olympic “A” standard yet this year, however, she may be appealing to Athletics Canada with this championship win and a number of “B” standards this season.

Few were surprised when favourite Nathan Brannen scooped up the men’s 1500m title in a time of 3:49.22, securing his spot on the Canadian Olympic team. Unfortunately second place finisher Taylor Milne (3.50.07) and third place finisher Geoff Martinson (3:50.75) will not be joining Brannen as neither has achieved the standard in this event. Look out for Brannen in the 800m tomorrow where he sits seventh going into the final.

In the women’s 5,000m Tarah Korir put up an excellent fight, leading the first nine laps of the twelve-lap race. Korir was passed by fellow Athletics Toronto athletes Sheila Reid and Megan Brown, who sailed into the finish with times of 16:15.23 and 16:16.44 respectively. Reid holds the Olympic “B” standard in this event and could be eligible to compete under the Rising Star status should Athletics Canada deem the one “B” standard enough. Korir finished third in a time of 16:41.94.

Exciting Semi-Finals set the Stage for Saturday

The 800m semi-finals for both men and women set the stage for what may be two dramatic races tomorrow. In the women’s semi-final, Melissa Bishop (2:06.80) from the Ottawa Lions and Jessica Smith (2:07.30) from BC Athletics handily won their heats to secure spots in the final. Both women have the Olympic “A” standard in this event and need only to finish in the top three in the final to secure their positions on team Canada. They will be joined by Canadian record holder Dianne Cummins, who qualified with the fastest semi-final finish in 2:05.61 and last year’s silver medalist Lemlem Ogbasilassie, who had the second fastest semi-final finish in a time of 2:05.95. Missing out on tomorrow’s final is the 800m junior athlete Annie Leblanc, who missed the final by one position.

On the men’s side, four semi-final heats meant that individuals had to finish first in their heats or one of the next four quickest finishing times to secure a place in the final. Canada’s three fastest 800m men, Andrew Ellerton (1:49.98), Geoff Harris (1:50.09) and Kyle Smith (1:50.18), each comfortably qualified for tomorrow’s main event. The showdown between Ellerton and Harris could complicate the selection process. More information on these athletes and tomorrow’s 800m is available here. As noted, they will be joined by 1500m Champion Nathan Brannen, whose endurance may prove to be what it takes to win.

All other results from day four of competition can be found here:

http://www.2012trials.ca/Live_Results/Trials/index.php?Day=Friday