Meet Canada’s Jazz Shukla, a middle-distance runner to watch in Paris
Shukla says she's changed her approach to racing, and feels more confident than ever heading into the women's 800m at her first Olympics
Photo by:
Nick Iwanyshyn
Toronto’s Jazz Shukla is an exciting up-and-coming middle-distance runner for Canadian fans to root for at Paris 2024. In her last race, at the 2024 Bell Canadian Track and Field Trials, Shukla became the second-fastest Canadian woman over 800m, clocking an impressive 1:58.20. As she approaches her Olympic debut, Shukla says she feels more confident and skilled than ever in the two-lap race.
When asked what’s changed, Shukla says she’s altered her whole approach to racing: “I’m focused more on my execution and running the distance, rather than chasing wins, standards or times,” she says. “I’ve let go of expectations.”
Photo: Sean Burges/Mundo Sport Images.
The Olympic Games will mark the third time in the last 12 months that Shukla has donned the Team Canada singlet. She competed at the 2024 World Indoor Championships in Glasgow and the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, where she reached the semi-finals. With her championship record run at nationals, Canadian track and field fans are excited about her potential in Paris.
When asked how fast she thinks she can go, Shukla smirked and said, “We’ll hopefully find out.”
She views success as an internal measure: “It has nothing to do with where I place or how fast I run. A successful Games (for me) is one where I’ve put together as many good races as possible.”
The 25-year-old will make her Olympic debut on Friday evening at the Stade de France (1:45 p.m. ET) in the first heat of the women’s 800m. The top three women will advance from Friday’s heats into Sunday’s semi-final, with the rest heading to the repechage round for a second chance.
“My grandparents are hosting a viewing party back home in Ontario; my mom, boyfriend, and best friend are here to cheer me on as well,” says Shukla. “This is the first time I’ve had anyone come to cheer me on at an international competition, and I wouldn’t be here without their love and support.”
Shukla believes the women’s 800m is one of the most competitive events in athletics, but she’s also a firm believer that anything can happen, with many women knocking on the door for a podium spot in the absence of 2020 Olympic champion Athing Mu.
Athletics events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games are taking place from Aug. 1-11. Today’s coverage is brought to you by Canadian Running and New Balance Canada. Follow us on Twitter on Instagram for all things Team Canada and up-to-date exclusive news and content.
Check out the latest buyer's guide:
