Stories | The Starting Block

“It has changed forever,” Canadian track and field programs adapt to new forms of athlete evaluation

Feb 1, 2021
10 min

“It has changed forever,” Canadian track and field programs adapt to new forms of athlete evaluation

The theme of adapting has been dominant over the last year, and with what would have been a time when indoor track and field would have...

Anicka Newell kicks off 2021 hungry for more pole vault success

Jonathan Yue

Jan 24, 2021
4 min

Anicka Newell kicks off 2021 hungry for more pole vault success

When Canadian pole vaulter Anicka Newell stepped into the Expo Dome in Belton, Texas, for the annual Expo Explosion pole vault...

In conversation with rising runner Abbey Yuhasz; on recruitment, Canada experience and next steps

Jonathan Yue

Nov 26, 2020
5 min

In conversation with rising runner Abbey Yuhasz; on recruitment, Canada experience and next steps

Canada’s rising distance star, Abbey Yuhasz shares her recruitment experience and how the pandemic changes the recruitment process for...

Varsity Blues decathlete Peter Collier letting his results speak for themselves

Jonathan Yue

Mar 7, 2019
3 min

Varsity Blues decathlete Peter Collier letting his results speak for themselves

He wasn’t even scheduled to compete that weekend due to a season-ending hamstring injury, yet he was on the bus for the five-hour drive...

Confident and energized, Alex Throndson continues to soar in the pole vault

Jonathan Yue

Feb 6, 2019
4 min

Confident and energized, Alex Throndson continues to soar in the pole vault

“Trying to jump higher, keep improving, and more personal bests.” It’s said numerous times throughout sports and easier said than done,...

Cam Levins reflects on his marathon debut, the Canadian record, and what it means for his family

Jonathan Yue

Dec 22, 2018
3 min

Cam Levins reflects on his marathon debut, the Canadian record, and what it means for his family

As Canada’s Cam Levins crossed the finish line of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon in a Canadian record time of 2:09:25, he let...

Tippett ready to play a big role on Team Canada after strong season with Steelheads

Jonathan Yue

Dec 11, 2018
3 min

Tippett ready to play a big role on Team Canada after strong season with Steelheads

Owen Tippett is ready to show the world what he’s got. After not being invited to the selections camp for Team Canada’s World Junior...

Canadian women’s hockey players Stacey, Larocque encourage Calgary’s 2026 Olympic bid

Jonathan Yue

Nov 12, 2018
2 min

Canadian women’s hockey players Stacey, Larocque encourage Calgary’s 2026 Olympic bid

“Having the Olympics in Canada, to have it in Calgary in 2026, would be extremely special for me.” Laura Stacey remembers watching on TV...

Olympian Brittany Crew on her route to recovery, and her return to the U Sports circuit

Jonathan Yue

Oct 23, 2018
2 min

Olympian Brittany Crew on her route to recovery, and her return to the U Sports circuit

Top three finish at the Commonwealth Games, defending her shot put Canadian title in Ottawa, Brittany Crew was set to represent Canada in...

1500-metre runner Gabriela Stafford excited to welcome the NACAC Championships to her home track

Jonathan Yue

Aug 9, 2018
3 min

1500-metre runner Gabriela Stafford excited to welcome the NACAC Championships to her home track

Gabriela Stafford remembers walking by Varsity Stadium as a four-year-old. After long days spent at the Royal Ontario Museum on Bloor...

Pierce LePage finds success through path less travelled; works towards consistency in the decathlon

Jonathan Yue

Jul 4, 2018
3 min

Pierce LePage finds success through path less travelled; works towards consistency in the decathlon

He’s never participated at OFSAA for track and field, let alone heard of OFSAA when he was in high school. He didn’t know about the track...

"Who is next?" as Canadian high jump enter a time of transition

Jonathan Yue

Jun 19, 2018
2 min

"Who is next?" as Canadian high jump enter a time of transition

From Debbie Brill and Milt Ottey to Alyx Treasure and Derek Drouin, Canadian high jump has quietly been a consistent presence in track...

Newman, De Grasse, and Athletics Canada showcase Track and Field in the heart of Toronto

Jonathan Yue

Jun 13, 2018
3 min

Newman, De Grasse, and Athletics Canada showcase Track and Field in the heart of Toronto

Canadian Olympians took over Nathan Phillips Square on Tuesday to show Toronto what the sport of Track and Field is all about. “Track and...

Markham Thunder hope to continue to grow Women's Hockey.

Jonathan Yue

Jun 5, 2018
3 min

Markham Thunder hope to continue to grow Women's Hockey.

Parliament Hill welcomed the National Hockey League’s Stanley Cup when the Montreal Canadiens won it in 1993. On Monday, the Markham...

Andre De Grasse announces foundation where it all began

Jonathan Yue

May 31, 2018
3 min

Andre De Grasse announces foundation where it all began

23-year-old Canadian sprinter announces the Andre De Grasse Family Foundation at the Central Region track and field championships on...

How Sarah Wells turned her Olympic experience into the 'Believe Initiative'

Jonathan Yue

May 22, 2018
3 min

How Sarah Wells turned her Olympic experience into the 'Believe Initiative'

Caught up with four-time Canadian champion in the 400-metre hurdles to talk about how she's empowering others to Believe. “This is the...