Posted: July 23, 2006

Athletics: Edmonton’s Brian Barnett takes 400-metre race at 2006 Canadian Junior Track and Field Championships

Alex Becker & Jennie Biewald - Junior Women's 1500m

July 22nd 2006, SHERBROOKE, QC - Brian Barnett of Edmonton, who broke two provincial junior records held by world championship medallist Tyler Christopher this year, took the gold medal in the men’s 400-metre on Saturday at the 2006 Canadian Junior Track and Field Championships.

Barnett, 19, clocked a meet record 46.55 seconds in rainy conditions with Andrew Dargie of Calgary second in 46.78 and Todd Pyper of Ottawa third in 47.84.

‘’I came here to run faster but the weather didn’t help me out,’’ said Barnett. ‘’My performance wasn’t reflection of what a great season I’ve had so far. I got the job done by beating the standard for the world junior team and I’m excited I’ll get to test myself out against the world’s best in a few weeks.’’

In the women’s 1,500, Alex Becker of Guelph, Ont., clocked a personal best 4:25.56 for the victory. Jennie Biewald of Ottawa was second in 4:26.01 and Jessica O’Connell third at 4:26.19.

‘’It was a pretty big win for me,’’ said Becker, 19. ‘’I’m surprised to get the time but the race fell right into my hands. I started out very hard and in the final few hundred metres I had a very solid kick to win it. I was really nervous before the race with my university coach and parents here. The expectations were high that I would do well.’’

Other winners in women’s competition included Nikkita Holder of Oshawa, Ont., in the 100 hurdles, Carline Muir of Etobicoke, Ont., in the 400, Kimberly Hyacinthe of St-Laurent, Que., in the 100, Elizabeth Gleadle of Vancouver in the javelin, Myriam Dumont-Breton of Pohenegamook, Que., in the discus and Brianne Theisen of Humboldt, Sask., in the heptathlon.

Other winners in men’s competition included Tyler Fawcett of Ottawa in the men’s 110 hurdles, Daniel Maillie of Vancouver in the 1,500, Justin Warner of Etobicoke in the 100, Nathan Labbe of Winnipeg in the long jump, Nolan Trey Henderson of Vancouver in the hammer throw and Brad Huey of Sarnia, Ont., in the high jump.

Competition ends Sunday.

Note: the senior heptathlon title was contested here this weekend and Jessica Zelinka of Calgary won the gold medal. Zelinka earned 5,965 points.

Full results: Athletics Camada.

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