Canadian Olympic hopefuls at Mt. Sac

A who’s who of Canadian track and field are down in California this weekend for a major competition that could affect their Olympic chances.

Several of Canada’s top runners are trying to make the Olympic standard this weekend at the Mt. Sac Relays. On Thursday, Speed River’s Chris Winter closed in on the ‘B’ standard for the 3000m steeplechase, running 8:36.04, in a race won by American Evan Jager in 8:26.14.  Canada’s ‘B’ standard for the event is 8:32.00.

Winter’s teammate, Alex Genest, has already achieved the ‘A’ standard in the event.

You can watch a video of the steeplechase courtesy of FloTrack.

The Mt. Sac Relays continue Friday and Saturday with many Canadians looking for Olympic qualifying times in events up to 5000m. Canadians set to compete include national record holder Diane Cummins, Malindi Elmore, Megan Wright, Sheila Reid, Megan Brown, Jessica Zelinka, Jeremy Rae, Nate Brannen, Andrew Ellerton, Taylor Milne, Geoff Martinson, Mohammed Ahmed and Cam Levins.