Posted: December 18, 2004

Athletics: Shane Niemi Looks Back

(December 14, 2004 OTTAWA ) – Shane Niemi, one of Canada’s most prolific track and field athletes, decided to retire from track and field in October of 2004 at the age of 26. Since 1998, Niemi dominated the 400 metre event in Canada, winning six straight Canadian championships in that event from 1998 to 2003.

He enjoyed his best season in 2001, running his way to three gold medals and a Canadian record. At the Canadian track and field championships, he repeated as 400 metre champion for the fourth year in a row, and also won gold in the 200 metres. Then, at the Francophone Games in Ottawa, he set a national record running the 400 metres in a time of 44.86 seconds. This time stands as his career best and still remains as the Canadian record, as well as the all-time Francophone Games record. Niemi says that day in June in Ottawa was definitely one of the highlights of his career.

“The top moment in my career would definitely have to be when I ran 44.86 to win the Francophone Games in a games record and national record. One other moment that stands out was in Manchester at the Commonwealth Games where I ran 45.09 seconds to win the silver medal.”

In recent years, Niemi did the majority of his training at the Kamloops Track and Field Club. He was fortunate to have the opportunity to work with two of the best track coaches this country has known, Derek Evely and Kevin Tyler. When reflecting on his career, Niemi is quick to credit these two men, and others, who helped and supported him along the way.

“Most people have a main influence in their lives and for me there are a number that helped me out more then I could ever imagine,” Niemi said. “I would have never been able to do what I have done without my coaches Derek Evely, Kevin Tyler, personal therapist Gerry Ramogida and of course my family. These people have been the back bone of my career and for that I thank them.”

Although this wasn’t the main factor in Shane’s decision to retire, it definitely played a role. “Everyone in track knows that you don’t do it for the money, you do it because you love it. Over the past year or so I have felt like track has become a chore and haven’t been having a lot of fun with it. The final drawing card was not making the Olympic team. This was the third Olympics that I’ve missed out on and I don’t see any point to carry on trying for them.”

Niemi went on to say the biggest challenges facing amateur athletes in Canada today are finding quality coaches and adequate training facilities. “I think that today’s Canadian amateur athletes face a number of challenges,” said Niemi. “First, there are only a handful of quality coaches in this country. I have been lucky enough to have worked with two of the best. Secondly, lack of funding. The carding is moving in the right direction but it will take some time to get it where it needs to be. Finally, the athletes need someone to stand up for them.”

When asked about Minister Steven Owen’s announcement to boost funding for Canadian amateur sport by 30 million dollars this year, Niemi commented that the majority of it should go towards facilities and hiring quality coaches to work fulltime with Canada’s future athletes.

Niemi is still living in Kamloops and is so far enjoying the changes brought on by his decision to walk away from the track. However, when asked, he did not rule out the possibility of a future return in some aspect of the sport. “Right now I am going to enjoy all the things that I have put on hold the past couple of years,” he said. “I want to spend a lot of time with my family. For the first time in a long time I have a normal life, and for the time being I like it. I imagine that if the right situation came along I might take it but they are far and few between. Everyone knows that it is difficult in Canada to make a living in the coaching world. I don’t regret this move. I have been fortunate enough to have met the most amazing girl and am happy, not missing the track one bit.”

So for now, track and field fans in Canada will have to be content with the moments and memories Niemi provided in the past. There are many of these to choose from in Shane Niemi’s impressive career – the king of the 400 metres in Canada for the better part of six years.

Copyright © 2003 Athletics Canada