Posted: August 1, 2005

Athletics: Canada explodes for 11 medals on Sunday at Pan American junior track and field championships

WINDSOR, Ont.-Mike Woods of Ottawa and Braden Novakowski of Kingston, Ont., finished 1-2 in the men’s 1,500 metres Sunday to highlight an 11-medal performance for Canada on Sunday to conclude the 38-country Junior Pan American track and field championships.

The Canadians finish with 18 medals (two gold-five silver and 11 bronze) its highest total at these championships since 1984 for second in the medal standings. The U.S., was first with 57 medals including 22 gold and Cuba third at 13 medals.

In the men’s 1,500, Woods who broke the Canadian junior record here in the mile last Thursday night, clocked a meet record 3:45.72 for the gold. Novakowski followed in 3:48.93 finishing ahead of two Americans.

“I came in with a lot of pressure, being the captain of Team Canada and I felt like I had to bring home the gold,” said Woods. “When I crossed that line and got that gold, I was just relieved. And to have the record (in the mile on Thursday) and to have Braden finish right there with me makes it that much sweeter.”

The tactics used during the race were a new experience for Novakowski.

“The first 800 was quick,” he said. “The track is incredible and it feels fast This race was a little rough – we were a little too close – it was more aggressive than I’m used to but you always envision a 1-2 win and this time it worked out. I was told to watch for Mike’s (Woods) kick near the end and that gave me the boost to keep going.”

Canada also earned two medals in the men’s 3,000 metre steeplechase. Jose Albe Sanchez Cairo of Cuba was the winner in 8:43.96, a meet record, Alex Genest of Lac-au-Sable, Que., was second in 8:47.00 and Chris Winter of North Vancouver third in 8:58.49.

Canada’s men’s 4X100 with Adam Newton of North Bay, Ont., Seyi Smith of Ottawa, Gavin Smellie of Toronto and Justyn Warner of Etobicoke, Ont., took the silver as did Pierre-Luc Menard of Dolbeau, Que., in the men’s 10 kilometre racewalk;

Bronze medal winners were Marie-Eve Boiselle of Vercheres, Que., in the women’s hammer throw; Corri-Ann Campbell-Fell of Vancouver in the women’s 400 hurdles; Leah Vause of Saskatoon in the women’s pole vault; Canada’s women’s 4X400 with Bailey Lewis of Inkerman, Ont., Campbell-Fell, Ugiabe Omoye of Scarborough, Ont., and Carline Muir of Weston, Ont., and the men’s 4X400 with Smellie, Aaron White of Trenton, Ont., Brian Cummings of Ottawa and Brian Barnett of Edmonton.

“I felt really good because I got all my first attempts,” said Vause. “The cheering was awesome. It really gets your adrenaline going and I’m really happy that it was in Windsor because of the home advantage.”

Canadian head coach Dennis Fairall of Windsor was delighted with the performances.

“We had a phenomenal meet,” he said. “Our athletes competed hard and showed a lot of guts. The crowd here really inspired our team and they responded. I’m confident this is an indication that we have a bright future ahead of us with these young athletes.”

Full results at: www.panamswindsor.ca.