High school student athletes vied for a spot in the Canadian Track and Field League (CTFL) trials Sunday at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility in Ottawa. Hundreds of athletes from across the country from grades 9 to 12 competed in their age categories showcasing their personal best. “It gives them a lot of opportunity to race and have good competition around them. We have athletes coming from across the country - from BC all the way to Nova Scotia. It allows athletes to come and compete at a high level with athletes that are their same age,” said Quinn Lyness, founder of the Canadian Track and Field League. Darius Edwards won the Grade 12 boys 110 metre race with a time of 14.51. “I am feeling amazing. I just love the height that you get after race. I just love being on the track, running with my friends, creating new experiences. I just love it all,” said Edwards. Edwards says he started running in Grade 9 and is grateful to his coaches for their support. “I love my coaches as well. They have always pushed me to keep going harder and keep going stronger. The community within track is one of the best things out here - makes you feel so loved,” said Edwards. Kayla Divine won her race at the CTFL. She said she started running in Grade 9 as well. “First, I feel extremely grateful because we never get meets as big in Canada and I feel like it’s a huge opportunity for Canadian athletes,” said Divine. Divine says it’s all thanks to her mom for keeping her on track. “I love running because it makes me closer to my mom. My mom used to run and I feel like it gives us something in common and I love it,” said Divine. The young talented athletes say it’s all about hard work, dedication and their love for the sport. “It feels really great. I’m really grateful to be here. I’ve been running since 2022, for the past three years,” said Nathan Fortier, a Grade 12 runner. “I really love running because it keeps me healthy and I’m always doing better than what I did last time. It’s really great on my mind and I love to do it because it gives my mind strength.” These track stars have some big dreams. “I’d like to be able to represent Canada in a meet one day,” said Divine. Edwards added: “I’m looking to further my track training and to possibly travel to the States for track.” The CTFL is Canada’s first track and field league of its kind. It is comprised of 280 top athletes from across Canada, divided into four teams where athletes can train individually and in a group to help them build their own brand. For the oldest athletes, whoever wins in their category will get a spot in the CTFL next season, have a chance to run against Olympic athletes and run on the Canadian national team.
