Posted: July 18, 2005

Athletics: Reed wins 800-metre showdown at the Canadian track and field championships

WINNIPEG-Gary Reed of Kamloops, B.C., was only worried about one thing: winning.

Reed took the men's 800-metre race on Sunday to conclude the Canadian track and field championships. He clocked 1:46.94 finishing ahead of Achraf Tadili of Montreal second in 1:47.29 while David Gill of Quebec City was third in 1:47.35.

"I took a bit of risk by going strong early but I felt it was necessary in the windy conditions," said Reed, who rubber stamped his ticket to the world championships next month in Helsinki. "I really wanted to win this race and keep the momentum going in my preparations for the worlds. I wasn't worried about the time."

Tadili also secured his spot for Helsinki with a top-four finish giving Canada a solid and experienced 1-2 punch in the event.

"I'm really pleased with all facets of my race," said Tadili. "What was most important for me was to assure my qualification. I positioned myself well throughout the race to make sure that happened."

Other winners Sunday in men's competition were Adam Kunkel of Paisley, Ont., in the 400-metre hurdles, Henry Anson of Mississauga, Ont., in the 200 sprint and Scott Russell of Windsor, Ont., in the javelin.

On the women's side Carmen Douma-Hussar of Guelph, Ont., ninth at the Olympics last year, is on her way to Helsinki after winning the 1,500 metre in 4:15.58 with Hilary Edmonson of Guelph second in 4:17.34 and Katie Vermeulen of Victoria third in 4:18.55

Other women winners were Lise Ogrodnick of Montreal in the 3,000 steeplechase, Tawa Dortch of Edmonton in the 400 hurdles, Adrienne Power of Halifax in the 200, Jennifer Joyce of Richmond, B.C., in the hammer throw, Whitney Evans of Calgary in the high jump and Althea Williams of Mississauga in the triple jump.

James Holder of Calgary won the men's decathlon and Jessica Zelinka of Calgary the women's heptathlon.

Full results at: Athletics.ca.