Ahmed, a seasoned Olympian from St. Catharines, Ontario, crossed the finish line in 13 minutes and 10.99 seconds at Complexe sportif Claude-Robillard. This achievement marked the fastest 5K time ever recorded by a Canadian athlete on home turf, as confirmed by Athletics Canada. Ahmed had previously set the national record of 12 minutes and 47.20 seconds in Portland, Oregon, back in July 2020.
Mo Ahmed claimed victory in the men's 5,000-meter race and Gabriela DeBues-Stafford topped the women's 5,000 meters at the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic track and field trials on Thursday evening.
In the women's category, Gabriela DeBues-Stafford, who hails from London, Ontario, secured her victory with a time of 15 minutes and 33.50 seconds.
Ceili McCabe of Vancouver clinched first place in the women's 3,000-meter steeplechase final with a time of 9 minutes and 32.97 seconds, earning herself a coveted spot at the upcoming Summer Games in Paris. On the men's side, Jean-Simon Desgagnes from Quebec City triumphed in the same event with a time of 8 minutes and 34.56 seconds.
In the field events, Liz Gleadle from Vancouver dominated the women's javelin throw with a remarkable distance of 59.52 meters. Maxime Leveille of Shefford, Quebec, achieved success in the men's pole vault by clearing a height of 5.10 meters.
Looking ahead to Friday's events, Canada's top athletes will continue to shine on the track. Six-time Olympic medalist Andre De Grasse of Markham, Ontario, will headline the men's 100-meter field, while local favorite Audrey Leduc of Gatineau, Quebec, will be the highlight of the women's event. The men's 100-meter final will conclude the day's competitions.
Decathlete and reigning Olympic champion Damian Warner, representing London, Ontario, will participate in the men's 400-meter semifinal, one of his three events scheduled for the trials. Meanwhile, Edmonton's world champion Marco Arop will commence his title defense in the 800-meter semifinal.
In the field events scheduled for Friday, world silver medalist Sarah Mitton from Brooklyn, Nova Scotia, aims to claim gold in the shot put. Additionally, the day will feature finals in the women's pole vault, men's high jump, and men's discus throw.
The trials will continue through Sunday, providing a platform for athletes to secure their spots in the highly anticipated Paris Games, which are set to begin on July 26.
