‘The biggest events that Athletics Canada has': Officials detail work that went into landing two major track and field events
Tourism London officials say years of work went into their bid for a pair of major Canadian athletic events. CTV's Gerry Dewan reports.
It's the culmination of years of work resulting in London being awarded two major track and field events, both Olympic qualifiers.
London will host the 2027 Canadian Track and Field Championships and the 2028 Bell Track and Field Trials.
Chloe Knox competes in long jump and triple jump and was getting some work at Western Alumni Stadium Friday morning, 'I've trained here since I was like seven years old. So, it's like, ideal for me.'
Last year, Knox won gold in the U-Sports Track and Field competition and bronze in the Canadian Track and Field Championships.
She's recovering from injury this year, but wants the chance to compete in her hometown, 'I'm not sure that I'll compete this outdoor season. But my goal moving forward would be to finish on the podium for the next couple of Canadian Championships.'
'The biggest events that Athletics Canada has,' emphasized Zanth Jarvis. Jarvis is director of Sport Tourism for Tourism London. 'We're so fortunate to work with them and all of our partners around the city to really showcase our community and the talent and the support we have for the sport of track and field here.'
Western Alumni Stadium
Thomas Helland and Morgan Reevie train at Western Alumni Stadium on June 27, 2025. (Gerry Dewan/CTV News London)
Like a track athlete getting in shape for a major competition, Western University has spent years getting Western Alumni Stadium in shape for the upcoming events.
'It makes it a fantastic facility,' said Christine Stapleton. She is Western's Director of Sports Recreation. 'Great for the smallest track and field incoming athlete in the clubs here, to an Olympian like Alysha Newman and Damian Warner.'
The track, infield, grandstands, stadium lighting, scoreboard and sound systems have been, or will be, upgraded. Stapleton says they all contribute to being able to achieve and retain certification from track and field's governing bodies, 'In order to maintain that certification, we have to adhere to the standards. So, the lines were painted by an I.A.A.F. (International Association of Athletics Federations) certified line painter, brought in from Europe to paint the lines for us.'
That effort is giving local athletes a special opportunity. Thomas Helland specializes in running the 400m race, 'I've grown up in London, we always had to travel to meets like this. It's nice to have these big events here for us to just kind of showcase without having to go far. It makes use of a nice facility like you see here, and it highlights like local talent.'
Morgan Reevie is a sprinter. She told CTV News the announcement had an immediate impact, 'It kind of lit a fire under everyone's butt to just really keep everything in gear, and to just get there, be healthy and be ready to go.'
Jarvis says the event is another opportunity to showcase London to athletes, their families, and friends from across Canada. But Jarvis said organizers also want to inspire the next generation of young competitors, 'We're hoping that an event like this can create that legacy for the next generation. To see these athletes firsthand grow our community sport groups grow the sports.'
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