Canada Sets Medal Expectations

With the World Athletics Championships beginning this week in Tokyo, Canadian athletes are aiming to match recent success on the global stage. Based on statistical forecasts and current form, Canada is projected to win around five medals, consistent with its Olympic and world championship performances over the past four years.

Star Athletes to Watch

The Canadian roster features five reigning global champions: hammer throwers Ethan Katzberg and Camryn Rogers, 800m world champion Marco Arop, decathlon champion Pierce LePage, and the men’s 4x100m relay squad anchored by Andre De Grasse. All will compete in Tokyo, making Canada a legitimate contender across multiple disciplines.

Statistical Forecasts

Analytics firm Shoreview Sports simulated the championships 10,000 times to project medal outcomes. The model predicts Canada will claim three golds and five medals overall. Katzberg leads the list with an 89% chance of reaching the podium, while Rogers and veteran race walker Evan Dunfee are also favoured to capture gold.

Veteran Contenders and Rising Pressure

Shot putter Sarah Mitton, who earned silver at the 2023 world championships, is projected for another podium finish. LePage’s medal chances, however, remain uncertain due to recent injuries, while fellow decathlete Damian Warner is ranked just outside medal position. The men’s 4x100m relay team, Olympic champions in Paris, face tougher odds this time but remain a dark horse given their proven chemistry.

Why Projections Matter

For Canada, consistent podium results at world events signal the country’s growth in track and field, a sport long dominated by powerhouse nations like the United States and Jamaica. Medal predictions help shape expectations, guide media focus, and build fan anticipation ahead of marquee events.

What Comes Next

Competition begins in Tokyo later this week, with finals scheduled daily through the closing weekend. Canada’s medal hopes will hinge on whether its proven champions can maintain form under pressure — and whether rising stars can seize the global spotlight.

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Veteran Runner Targets Redemption

Canadian distance star Moh Ahmed will line up in both the 5,000 and 10,000 metres at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, aiming to end a six-year medal drought. The 34-year-old from St. Catharines, Ont., has spent the past five weeks recovering from a calf strain suffered at July’s national championships.

Training Through Setbacks

Ahmed pulled up 400 metres from the finish in Ottawa, later diagnosed with a strained left calf. Since then, he has undergone intensive rehab in Oregon, including manual therapy, dry needling, massage, and treadmill sessions designed to reduce impact while maintaining mileage. Coach Jerry Schumacher said Ahmed has returned to hard track workouts and “is rounding into good form.”

Experience Over Races

This will be Ahmed’s seventh world championships, though he enters with limited competition this season. His last completed race was more than a year ago at the Diamond League in Rome. Schumacher remains confident, noting Ahmed’s ability to peak without frequent racing: “He has vast experience at this level, and that gives him confidence.”

Medal Goals in Tokyo

Ahmed’s last world medal came in 2019 when he earned bronze in the 5,000m. He narrowly missed the podium at the 2024 Paris Olympics, finishing fourth in the 10,000m despite a strong late surge. With Canada fielding one of its deepest track teams ever, Ahmed’s return could provide a major boost to the nation’s medal hopes.

Canadian Marathoner Sidelined

While Ahmed prepares for his double, fellow Canadian Malindi Elmore has withdrawn from the women’s marathon. The 45-year-old from Kelowna, B.C., has been sidelined with posterior tibial tendonitis in her right foot, cutting her training short. Elmore now plans to rebuild fitness for the Valencia Marathon in December.

Looking Ahead

Ahmed is expected to begin coaching with the Niagara Olympic Club after the championships, but he has not indicated any immediate plans to leave track competition. Meanwhile, Natasha Wodak will represent Canada in the women’s marathon in Tokyo. With Ahmed’s comeback and Canada’s strong roster, the championships promise high drama on the track from Sept. 13–21.

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Historic Team Size

Canada is sending its largest-ever team to the World Athletics Championships, with 59 athletes set to compete in Tokyo from September 12 to 21. The group includes 30 men and 29 women, reflecting unprecedented depth across disciplines.

Leaders With Championships Pedigree

Four Canadians arrive as defending world champions: hammer throwers Camryn Rogers and Ethan Katzberg, decathlete Pierce LePage, and 800-metre standout Marco Arop. Each will look to repeat gold-medal performances while setting the tone for teammates.

Depth Across Disciplines

Athletics Canada head coach Glenroy Gilbert says the squad’s strength lies in balance. “We’ve got throws, jumps, sprints, multis, and walks. Across the board, we’re very well represented,” Gilbert said from the team’s training base in Gifu, Japan. He emphasized the importance of “performance on demand” — peaking when it matters most.

Rising Throwing Power

Canada’s biggest medal hopes may come from the throwing events. Rogers and Katzberg are both reigning Olympic champions, while Nova Scotia’s Sarah Mitton is ranked among the world’s top shot putters after earning silver at the 2023 worlds. Gilbert credits strong coaching networks for the surge, citing grassroots programs and mentors like former Olympic medallist Dylan Armstrong.

Relay Strength and Potential

The men’s 4x100m relay team, featuring Olympic champion Andre De Grasse, has proven capable of winning on the world stage. Gilbert also highlighted the women’s relay squad, which set a Canadian record earlier this year at the World Athletics Relays. “They’ve got the pieces to contend,” he said, noting that belief and execution will be crucial under championship pressure.

Next Generation Emerging

Alongside established stars, new faces are making headlines. Sprinter Christopher Morales Williams, 21, holds Canada’s 400m record, while hurdler Savannah Sutherland, 23, set a Canadian and NCAA record in the women’s 400m hurdles this summer. Both will use Tokyo as a proving ground against the world’s best.

Looking Ahead to the Olympics

For Athletics Canada, these championships are more than a medal chase — they mark the first step toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Gilbert says the Tokyo results will help shape the path forward: “This is about identifying future podium contenders and giving them the experience they need to succeed at the biggest stage.”

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Settlement Reached in Athlete Lawsuit

World Aquatics announced Monday it will establish a $4.6 million USD settlement fund to compensate swimmers who competed in the International Swimming League (ISL) during 2018 and 2019. The agreement ends a years-long legal dispute following an antitrust lawsuit filed in California.

How the Dispute Began

The conflict began in 2018 when World Aquatics, then known as FINA, attempted to block the ISL from operating independently. The Ukraine-backed league promised higher prize money and greater visibility for athletes. In response, swimmers Katinka Hosszu of Hungary, along with Americans Tom Shields and Michael Andrew, launched legal action, claiming the governing body’s restrictions violated competition law.

Canadian Swimmers Among Participants

Several Canadian Olympians, including Penny Oleksiak, Kylie Masse, and Sydney Pickrem, joined the ISL alongside hundreds of international athletes. Their participation highlighted growing frustration with limited earnings opportunities in professional swimming. The ISL’s creation forced World Aquatics to later increase prize money at its own World Championships and World Cup events.

Why the Settlement Matters

The governing body had initially threatened lifetime bans for ISL athletes, a move that drew widespread criticism. By establishing the settlement fund, World Aquatics acknowledged that swimmers “were badly let down,” according to president Husain al Musallam. The organization says the payments will ensure athletes are “more than fully compensated” for their contracts during the 2018–2019 seasons.

Impact on Global Swimming

The ISL was widely regarded as a disruptive but transformative experiment, offering higher pay and team-based competition. Although the league was paused in 2022 due to the war in Ukraine, its influence reshaped the sport’s economic model. For Canadian swimmers, the settlement represents both financial compensation and recognition of their role in pushing for reform.

What Comes Next

The settlement still requires court approval before funds can be distributed. Meanwhile, a separate lawsuit filed by the ISL itself against World Aquatics remains active. With the case nearing closure for athletes, attention now turns to whether professional swimming can balance fair pay with long-term sustainability.

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Canadian Strength on Display

Canada’s Sarah Mitton captured victory in the women’s shot put while sprinter Andre De Grasse claimed bronze in the men’s 100 metres at the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meet in Beijing on Sunday. The performances highlighted Canadian momentum heading into the World Athletics Championships later this month.

Mitton Bounces Back

Mitton, 29, delivered a winning throw of 19.81 metres to defeat Sweden’s Fanny Roos and China’s Zhang Linru. The result comes just weeks after her Diamond League Final triumph in Zurich was overturned following a successful protest that ruled her 20.67-metre throw invalid. The Brooklyn, N.S., native called the experience “fuel” for her push toward the world stage.

Track Return for De Grasse

In the men’s 100 metres, De Grasse returned from a hamstring injury that sidelined him since June. The 30-year-old from Markham, Ont., clocked 10.16 seconds — just shy of his season best — to finish third behind Omani Ali Al Balushi and American Brandon Hicklin. It marked his first race at Beijing’s National Stadium since his breakout bronze medal at the 2015 World Championships.

Building Confidence Before Worlds

The meet served as a crucial tune-up for both athletes. For Mitton, it was proof she remains among the top contenders after recent controversy. For De Grasse, it showed he is healthy and competitive ahead of his fifth appearance at the World Championships. Both athletes said the competition offered confidence heading into the season’s biggest event.

Why These Results Matter

Canada will send its largest-ever group of medal hopefuls to the championships in Tokyo from Sept. 13–21. Mitton, a world silver medallist in 2023, is targeting the podium again, while De Grasse aims to add to his Olympic and world medal collection. Their strong outings in Beijing reinforced Canada’s depth across both field and track events.

Next Steps for Team Canada

Following the Beijing meet, De Grasse will join Athletics Canada’s training camp in Gifu, Japan, before travelling to worlds. Mitton will continue preparations for her fourth appearance at the event. They will be joined by hammer throwers Ethan Katzberg and Camryn Rogers, 800m runner Marco Arop, and decathlete Pierce LePage — all defending champions — in what could be Canada’s most successful world championships to date.

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A Breakthrough Victory in New York

Canadian star Félix Auger-Aliassime advanced to the U.S. Open semifinals on Wednesday after a grueling four-set victory over Australia’s Alex de Minaur. The 25th seed from Montreal battled through errors and fatigue to defeat the world No. 8 by scores of 4-6, 7-6 (7), 7-5, 7-6 (4) in a match lasting four hours and 10 minutes at Flushing Meadows.

Why This Win Matters

For Auger-Aliassime, this marks his first semifinal appearance at a Grand Slam since the 2021 U.S. Open — exactly four years ago. The Canadian entered the tournament ranked No. 27 but is projected to climb to 13th, his highest ATP standing in more than two years. The win also gives him three victories over top-15 opponents in this tournament, including Alexander Zverev and Andrey Rublev.

How the Match Unfolded

The marathon clash was far from flawless. Both players recorded 11 double faults, and errors piled up on key points. However, Auger-Aliassime countered with 22 aces and rallied from deficits in both the second and fourth sets, showing resilience under pressure. He credited advice from Rafael Nadal, who once told him the key to greatness was finding ways to win even on off days.

What’s Next for the Canadian

Auger-Aliassime now awaits the winner of the quarterfinal between Italians Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti. A victory in the semifinal would propel him into his first career Grand Slam final and cap a remarkable resurgence after dropping out of the top 30 in 2024.

Canadian Success in Doubles

It was also a strong day for Canadian tennis in doubles. Ottawa’s Gabriela Dabrowski and partner Erin Routliffe of New Zealand defeated Italy’s Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani 6-4, 6-3 to reach Friday’s U.S. Open women’s doubles final. The third-seeded duo will face top seeds Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova for the championship. Dabrowski and Routliffe previously won the U.S. Open doubles crown in 2023.

Wider Tournament Highlights

Elsewhere in New York, American Amanda Anisimova upset world No. 1 Iga Swiatek 6-4, 6-3 in a women’s quarterfinal showdown, avenging her Wimbledon loss earlier this summer. The women’s semifinals on Thursday will feature defending champion Aryna Sabalenka against Jessica Pegula, a rematch of last year’s final.

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Canada Secures Semifinal Spot

Canada’s women’s Para hockey team stormed into the semifinals of the inaugural Women’s World Championships with a commanding 7-0 victory over Great Britain on Thursday in Dolny Kubin, Slovakia. The result secured top spot in Group B and guaranteed Canada a place in Saturday’s knockout round.

Key Performers Shine

Defender Christina Picton led the way with two goals, while forward Aubree Clements added a goal and three assists, finishing with a team-best plus-six rating. Raphaëlle Tousignant also made her presence felt with two assists, contributing to Canada’s offensive dominance throughout the match.

Setting the Stage for Rivals

The win sets up a possible gold-medal showdown with the United States. Team USA, who topped Group A with a decisive 10-0 victory over Norway, will face Great Britain in the semifinals. Canada is scheduled to play Norway, with the winners of both games advancing to Sunday’s final.

Tournament Significance

This competition marks the first-ever Women’s Para Ice Hockey World Championships. Six teams are taking part — Canada, the United States, Great Britain, Australia, Norway, and Team World, a roster comprised of athletes from nine nations. The medal games will be held on Sunday, capping a historic week for the sport.

Why It Matters

The tournament is seen as a critical step toward gaining Paralympic recognition for women’s Para hockey. Currently, Para ice hockey at the Winter Games is a mixed-gender event, but only three women have ever competed. Organizers hope that hosting consecutive world championships will help build a case for the sport’s inclusion as a women’s-only event at the 2030 Paralympics.

Overcoming Barriers

For years, Canada’s women’s Para hockey players have faced financial challenges, often paying thousands of dollars annually to compete in training camps and tournaments. This time, however, corporate sponsors and community support covered the team’s expenses, removing a significant burden for athletes. The milestone reflects both growing visibility and increased backing for the women’s game.

What Comes Next

Canada will take on Norway in Saturday’s semifinal, streamed live on the Paralympic YouTube channel and the World Para Ice Hockey Facebook page. With momentum on their side, the Canadians are aiming not just for a medal but to further strengthen their case for a lasting place on the Paralympic stage.

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Historic Canadian Lineup Announced

Canada will send four reigning world champions to the World Athletics Championships for the first time in history. Athletics Canada confirmed Thursday that hammer throwers Ethan Katzberg and Camryn Rogers, 800-metre runner Marco Arop, and decathlete Pierce LePage headline a 59-member roster bound for Tokyo from September 13–21.

Athletes Leading the Charge

The group of defending champions represents Canada’s growing global presence in track and field. Katzberg, from Nanaimo, B.C., and Rogers, from Richmond, B.C., are both reigning Olympic and world champions in hammer throw. Edmonton’s Arop, who earned Olympic silver in Paris last year, will look to defend his world title in the 800 metres. LePage, from Whitby, Ont., returns after missing the Paris Games due to injury but enters Tokyo as the defending decathlon champion.

Where the Competition Will Unfold

Tokyo will host the 2025 World Athletics Championships, welcoming elite athletes from around the globe. For Canadian fans, the event offers another chance to see Olympic sprint relay champions Andre De Grasse, Aaron Brown, Brendon Rodney, and Jerome Blake compete, alongside medal hopefuls Damian Warner, Moh Ahmed, and Sarah Mitton.

Why This Year Is Significant

Never before has Canada entered the championships with this level of defending talent. The achievement underscores the nation’s rise in international athletics, following medal breakthroughs at both the 2023 Worlds in Budapest and the 2024 Paris Olympics. Athletics Canada’s Olympic head coach Glenroy Gilbert said the squad is prepared for the challenge: “It’s a tall order, but our athletes are more than capable of delivering.”

How Canada Plans to Compete

The 59-member roster is strategically built with both seasoned champions and emerging stars. Veterans like Warner, a 2021 Olympic decathlon gold medallist, bring experience, while younger athletes such as Christopher Morales Williams and Gabriela DeBues-Stafford add depth. Canada’s mix of strength in field events, middle-distance races, and relays is designed to maximize medal opportunities.

Looking Ahead

The championships will be a test not only of athletic performance but also of Canada’s ability to sustain its recent momentum on the global stage. With four defending champions, Olympic relay winners, and several rising contenders, Team Canada enters Tokyo 2025 with its strongest squad yet — and with history already made before the competition begins.

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Gene Test Chaos Disrupts Canadian Athletes Before Worlds

Athletes caught off guard by late rule change

Canadian track and field athletes are scrambling to meet a sudden testing requirement before the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Sept. 13–21. World Athletics introduced mandatory SRY gene testing in late July, leaving competitors with just weeks to comply.

Confusion over failed saliva tests

In August, Athletics Canada informed athletes that saliva samples collected at nationals in Ottawa did not meet World Athletics’ criteria. The governing body required blood-based testing, forcing dozens of athletes to redo the process under tight deadlines.

Canadian competitors forced to travel for tests

Two Canadian women training in Europe told CBC Sports the new mandate disrupted their training. One drove 75 minutes across a border to find a compliant lab, while another endured a four-to-five-hour trip in Spain. Both described the process as stressful, expensive, and “invasive.”

Debate over fairness and ethics

The SRY gene test determines if genetic material linked to male sex determination is present. Critics argue the test is unnecessary, invasive, and discriminatory. Athletes and healthcare providers alike have questioned its ethics, while World Athletics insists it protects the integrity of female competition.

Costs add to mounting frustration

Testing costs vary by country, from $40 to more than $200. Some athletes worry expenses—combined with travel and training disruptions—are an unfair burden. Athletics Canada has confirmed testing fees will be covered, but questions remain about international athletes facing similar hurdles.

Uncertainty ahead of championships

Sept. 1 deadline looming, about 37 Canadian women are racing to complete testing. World Athletics maintains the policy is a necessary safeguard, but for athletes already under pressure to perform, the rollout has become yet another obstacle on the road to Tokyo.

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Testing Chaos Ahead of Championships

Female athletes preparing for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo face uncertainty after learning that recent gene tests do not meet official standards. The announcement comes just weeks before the global event, set for September 13–21, 2025.

Why the Tests Are in Question

Athletics Canada confirmed this week that SRY gene tests conducted at the national championships were invalid. The tests, meant to determine biological sex, were administered by Dynacare but later found to be below World Athletics’ requirements.

How Canadian Athletes Are Affected

Athletics Canada CEO Mathieu Gentes said the federation is working urgently to provide new test kits and ensure athletes meet the September 1 deadline. “It’s a rapidly evolving situation which we’re dealing with in real time,” Gentes told Reuters, adding that testing options are being arranged in both Canada and the U.S.

International Challenges for Compliance

French athletes face additional hurdles, as the country’s Bioethics Law of 1994 prohibits such testing. The French federation has appealed to World Athletics for alternatives, and arrangements are being made at training camps and competitions outside France.

World Athletics Responds to Concerns

Jackie Brock-Doyle, Director of Special Projects at World Athletics, said federations in Poland, Belgium, and Switzerland are stepping in to provide testing opportunities during upcoming Diamond League events. She estimated that 40–50 percent of athletes have already been tested.

Why the Tests Were Introduced

The SRY gene test was approved in March 2025 and detailed on July 31. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe defended the move as essential to ensuring fairness in women’s competition. “The test to confirm biological sex is a very important step,” Coe said, stressing its role in building trust among female athletes.

What’s Next for Athletes

Despite the confusion, World Athletics has indicated that athletes who complete the test but await results may still compete in Tokyo. Any adverse findings would be reviewed after the championships. Officials maintain confidence that no athlete will be barred solely due to testing delays.

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