Excitement is in the air because indoor track is coming to BC this weekend! The Harry Jerome Indoor Games, proudly co-sponsored by the Richmond Kajaks Track and Field Club and the Achilles International Track & Field Society, are set to take place at the Richmond Olympic Oval this Saturday, February 3rd, transforming the state-of-the-art indoor multi-sports arena into a vibrant hub for athletics. Nestled in the iconic venue built for the 2010 Winter Olympics, this event promises a day filled with thrilling competition and outstanding athletic performances.
The indoor complex features a level 5-lane, 200-meter oval running track, a dedicated 100m straight away for 60m sprints and hurdles events, as well as areas for shot put and high jump. As for the athletes, the Indoor Games will cater to a diverse range of talents, with age divisions spanning from JD (born 2011-2015) to U16 (born 2009-2010), U18 (born 2007-2008), and Masters & Open Divisions for both Men and Women. can participate and compete at their respective levels.
As for athletes to watch? Let's dive into just some of the top names competing.
With athletes like Gursher Gabri, Gurleen Mander, and Talia Phangura present, the throwing events are sure to be a highlight of the meet.
Talia Phangura, a standout performer in the 2023 outdoor season, is set to take her place in the shot put circle. With an impressive track record, including first-place finishes in the junior girls discus and shot put at both the BC High School Provincial Championships and BC Athletics Provincial Championships, Phangura is a force to be reckoned with. In similar fashion Gurleen Mander placed first in the senior girls discus at the 2023 BC Athletics Provincial Championships and first in the senior girls hammer at the BC High School Provincial Championships. She was ninth in the same event at the U20 Bell Canadian Track and Field Championships.
As for Gursher Gabri, a triple threat in the hammer throw, shot put, and discus, he is a name to watch. His first-place finishes in the shot put at the BC Athletics Provincial Championships, BC High School Provincial Championships, Richard B Collier Big Kahuna Throws Fest, and the Richmond Relays underline his status as a top contender.
Moving into some of the running events, in the U18 Men's 60m, the competition is set up to be a good one, with Joseph Harris, Jackson Brhelle, and Christian Aghedo leading the pack with seed times of 7.30, 7.40, and 7.57 seconds, respectively. Meanwhile, Iyimi Fagbamiye, a hurdle standout who placed fourth at the U20 Canadian Championships in the 110m hurdles, is set to bring his speed to the open division with an impressive seed time of 7.07 seconds in the 60m. He will also be running in the open division of the 60m hurdles, with the top seed of 8.25. Not to mention, Yemane Mulugeta, fresh off his U20 Canadian 10k Road Race record, is gearing up for the 1500m with a top-seeded time of 3:56.00.
Be prepared for a day full of fun yet fierce competitions and stay tuned for the results!