Posted: September 27, 2004

Athletics: Marathoner Jon Brown's Thoughts on Competing for Canada

"Even though I will be a Canadian by the end of this year the thought of having to work with Athletics Canada is not appealing right now. The Canadian federation does a terrible job for its athletes and has no long term strategy or quality leadership. I'd love to run for Canada after this year but unless the federation sorts itself out I can't see that happening." - Jon Brown, June 2004

British Olympian Jon Brown, who currently lives and trains in Victoria, gave the following interview with Alan Brookes of the Canada Running Series (CRS) in June of this year.

CRS: When did you come to Canada, and why?

JB: My wife and I came to Canada for the 1994 Commonwealth Games and we really liked the B.C. lifestyle and environment. The following year we applied to become permanent residents. We moved here in 1996 after the Atlanta Olympics.

CRS: Can you tell us a few words about your family and home in Victoria?

JB: My wife Martina is from Germany and we have 2 children; Dylan aged 6 and Rosa aged 3. We live in the Broadmead area of Saanich which is noted for its trees and trails. It is great for running.

CRS: Is it home now / what do you do in Victoria?

JB: We have been in Victoria for 3 years now after moving here from Vancouver. Victoria is a great place to live and we plan on staying especially as the kids are now in school. Right now I'm lucky to be able to earn enough income from running to train full-time.

CRS: Do you think you will eventually become a Canadian citizen?

JB: I've already applied. My citizenship should be processed by the end of the summer.

The rest of the interview is available from the Canada Running Series website at: www.canadarunningseries.com.

There is an interesting article by David Monti of Race Results Weekly on the Canadian Marathoning site (www.canadianmarathoning.bc.ca) Brown training with Canadian Bruce Deacon prior to the Olympics.

Brown went on to finish fourth in the Athens Olympics Marathon this summer competing for Great Britain.

The Runner's Web asked Athletics Canada to comment on Brown's remarks. This was their response:

"Athletics Canada has taken major strides in the last four years and the organization has definitely entered into a new era. I encourage Mr. Brown to do some research, study our Athletics Canada 2020 Strategic Plan, visit our website and talk to some other members of our national teams. Athletics Canada staff and board members are also readily available via e-mail or phone for anyone requiring additional information. I’m sure Mr. Brown will find that AC is a hard-working, dedicated organization that is progressing steadily in all areas, including leadership, development and competition.”