PHOTOS: Athletes sprint, throw, and jump their way to gold at Maple Ridge meet
Hundreds of athletes from all across the province attended the Eagles Classic track meet at Maple Ridge Secondary on May 11 to compete in events ranging from hurdles to javelin and more.
The all-day competition pits the best of the best athletes in Grades 3 to 7 against one another, with a few of the events also involving masters and open class competitions to include more veteran athletes.
Hosted by Golden Ears Athletics, this was the 18th iteration of the annual track meet, with nearly 1,000 spectators coming out to support this year’s batch of athletes.
Golden Ears Athletics president Phil Pitzey explained that the historic mile run was once again the featured distance race of the day, with perpetual trophies that name past winners being awarded to the fastest mile runner, top thrower, most outstanding individual meet performer, and top team.
The local Eagles athletes had a particularly strong showing, with the following athletes earning top-three finishes:
• Serena Obioha (2nd – U14 Women’s 80m Hurdles, 2nd – U14 Women’s 100m, 2nd – U14 Women’s 100m Final, 2nd – U14 Women’s Long Jump)
Kelechi Obioha (1st – U12 Women’s 60m Hurdles, 1st – U12 Women’s 100m, 2nd – U12 Women’s 200m, 1st – U12 Women’s 100m Final, 3rd – U12 Women’s High Jump, 1st – U12 Women’s Long Jump)
• Elliot L’Esperance (3rd – U11 Men’s 60m Hurdles)
• Zekiah West (3rd – U10 Men’s 60m Hurdles)
• Kaylee Ferguson (3rd – U12 Women’s 600m, 3rd – U12 Women’s 1000m)
• Maeve Jaskiewicz (3rd – U13 Women’s 100m, 3rd – U13 Women’s Long Jump)
• Joe Broeders (2nd – U13 Men’s 100m, 2nd – U13 Men’s 100m Final, 1st – U13 Men’s Shot Put, 1st – U13 Men’s Discus)
• Joel Breedveld (1st – Open Men’s 400m)
• Zachary Edgerton (3rd – U12 Men’s 100m Final, 3rd – U12 Men’s Long Jump)
• Ronan Sullivan (2nd – U10 Men’s High Jump, 1st – U10 Men’s Long Jump)
• Anthony Blackman (3rd – U10 Men’s Long Jump, 1st – U10 Men’s Shot Put)
• Joshua Edgerton (2nd – U14 Men’s Shot Put)
• Bella Zanotto (2nd – U13 Women’s Shot Put)
• Trystan Bakira (2nd – U11 Men’s Discus)
• Kalib Soltesz (2nd – Open Men’s Javelin)
• Cannen King (3rd – Open Men’s Javelin)
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Marcel Hirscher: A Remarkable Alpine Skiing Comeback with the Netherlands
Marcel Hirscher, the Austrian maestro of Alpine skiing who left the sport at the pinnacle of his career in 2019, is poised to make a stunning return to competition next season under the Dutch flag. At 35 years old, Hirscher’s decision to return to the slopes stems from his enduring passion for the sport and his desire to once again test his limits on the world stage.
Announcing his comeback through a press release from the Dutch ski federation, Hirscher expressed his genuine enjoyment for skiing and his eagerness to compete once more. Patrick Riml, the ski racing director at Red Bull, Hirscher’s sponsor, revealed that Hirscher had been contemplating a return for several years before finally committing to the decision.
Eligible to represent the Netherlands due to his Dutch heritage through his mother, Hirscher’s request to switch nationalities was approved by the Austrian ski federation. The International Ski Federation (FIS) must also ratify his switch, paving the way for his anticipated return to competitive skiing.
Hirscher’s comeback journey will begin with lower-level FIS races in New Zealand in August, where he aims to accumulate the necessary points to rejoin the World Cup circuit. His ultimate goal is to compete at the world championships in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria, in the upcoming season, demonstrating his unwavering ambition and determination.
Despite his retirement in 2019, Hirscher has remained dedicated to the sport, continuing to train rigorously and test his equipment throughout the winter seasons. With plans to compete in both slalom and giant slalom events, Hirscher’s return has reignited speculation about his ability to compete at the highest level.
Acknowledging Hirscher’s unparalleled talent and previous achievements, Riml emphasized that “Marcel is Marcel,” underscoring the Austrian skier’s enduring legacy in the sport. With two Olympic gold medals, five individual world titles, and 67 World Cup race victories to his name, Hirscher’s return adds a new chapter to his illustrious career.
As he prepares to embark on this new chapter, Hirscher’s comeback represents a beacon of hope and inspiration for fans worldwide. While his focus remains on the upcoming season, the possibility of his participation in future Olympics remains uncertain. Riml emphasized the importance of taking each step of the journey as it comes, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of competitive sports.
With Marcel Hirscher’s return to Alpine skiing, the Netherlands eagerly anticipates the resurgence of its presence on the slopes, as one of the sport’s most celebrated champions prepares to make his mark once again on the world stage.
Source: https://www.nbcsports.com/olympics/news/marcel-hirscher-netherlands-comeback-alpine-skiing
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