Canada is set to make history at the World Athletics Championships by sending four defending champions for the first time ever. The Canadian team, consisting of 59 athletes, was announced by Athletics Canada for the upcoming championships in Tokyo. Among the defending champions are hammer throwers Ethan Katzberg and Camryn Rogers, 800-meter runner Marco Arop, and decathlete Pierce LePage.
Katzberg and Rogers, hailing from Nanaimo and Richmond, respectively, are also the reigning Olympic champions in their respective events. Arop, from Edmonton, secured silver in the 800 meters at the 2024 Paris Games, while LePage, representing Whitby, Ontario, missed the Paris Games due to a herniated disc.
The Canadian squad also features notable athletes such as Andre De Grasse, Aaron Brown, Brendon Rodney, Jerome Blake, Damian Warner, Moh Ahmed, and Sarah Mitton. The World Championships are scheduled to take place from September 13 to 21.
“The athletes who have previously won medals at the Worlds or Olympics and are now aiming to defend their titles face a significant challenge,” remarked Athletics Canada’s Olympic head coach Glenroy Gilbert. “However, our athletes are well-prepared and more than capable of rising to the occasion.”
The Canadian roster includes a diverse array of talented athletes across various disciplines, showcasing the country’s strong presence in international athletics.