Laura Parkinson wanted an OFSAA podium, one-ups to set Canadian record

The Grade 12 student from Catholic Central High School in London, Ont. sets a new Canadian interscholastic record in the 1,500m

Laura Parkinson

She wanted a top-three finish at the Ontario high school championships. Not only did Laura Parkinson achieve that, she won gold and set a new Canadian interscholastic (high school) 1,500m record.

At the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) Track Championships, Parkinson, a student at Catholic Central High School, ran 4:21.72, the fastest-ever by a Canadian in a high school race. It was also her first OFSAA medal in what is her fourth and final year of high school.

The London, Ont.-based Grade 12 student will attend university in Boston next year. In winning the OFSAA senior girls 1,500m championship, Parkinson bettered Jocelyn Chau, in 4:23.68, and Sevanne Ghazarian, in 4:24.16, on Friday afternoon in Belleville, Ont.

Laura Parkinson
Photo: Adam Wojtkowiak.

The new Canadian record holder told Canadian Running that she was hoping for a top-three finish at the Ontario championships and came away with much more. She will be running the 800m on Saturday, the final day of the championships which span Thursday through until tomorrow.

Laura Parkinson
Photo: Adam Wojtkowiak.

Lucia Stafford, who just finished her freshman year at the University of Toronto, held the previous record, 4:21.93, from 2016. The Canadian interscholastic record is also an OFSAA senior girls record, achieved at Mary Ann Sills Park in Belleville, located approximately two hours east of Toronto.

Parkinson’s record continues a rich history at Catholic Central High School. Previous standouts include Jessica Parry, who went on to Florida State University.

Tune in for more coverage as Canadian Running is on-site for the OFSAA Track Championships.

How to follow Canadian Running at the 2017 OFSAA Track and Field Championships

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