Posted: September 11, 2006

Athletics: 10 Canadians named to Americas World Cup team

September 11th 2006, OTTAWA – Athletics Canada is proud to announce that ten Canadian athletes have been named to the Americas squad that will compete in the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) 10th World Cup in Athletics.  The event takes place September 16th and 17th in Athens, Greece.  The Americas team consists of 58 athletes from the NACAC region and three co-managers, including Canadian Maureen Switzer.  Canadian representation at 10th World Cup Brannen, Nathan Cambridge, ON 1500m Douma-Hussar, Carmen Cambridge, ON 1500m Felicien, Perdita Pickering, ON Reservist Forrester, Nicole Cookstown, ON High jump Metcalfe, Megan Edmonton, AB 3000m Reed, Gary Victoria, BC 800m Russell, Scott Windsor, ON Javelin throw Steacy, James Lethbridge, AB Hammer throw Sullivan, Kevin Brantford, ON 3000m Tunks, Jason London, ON Discus throw Switzer, Maureen Winnipeg, MB Co-manager National team Head Coach Les Gramantik on the Canadians heading to Athens, “I wish to congratulate our athletes selected to the Americas team heading to compete in the World Cup. This is a great accomplishment and a perfect opportunity to end the 2006 season on a high note. I am happy to see a blend of athletes with years of experience along with some athletes who will get their first chance at competing at a prestigious international event. Best of luck to all.” The Canadians selected to the team bring with them impressive credentials.  Nathan Brannen was a silver medalist at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and is the reigning national champion.  James Steacy was also a Commonwealth silver medalist, is the reigning national champ and Canadian record holder.  Perdita Felicien recently took the crown at the Canadian nationals and this past weekend was 3rd at the IAAF World Athletics Final.  Gary Reed is the Canadian record holder over the 800-metre distance while Megan Metcalfe (5000m), Carmen Douma-Hussar (1500m), and Nicole Forrester (HJ) are all Canadian champs.   The points based competition will also feature teams from four other continental teams (Asia, Africa, Europe and Oceania) as well as the individual power of the United States and individual national teams from Russia (men and women), France (men), and Poland (women).  As is custom in the World Cup, the host country, in this case Greece, will field its on team.  The Americas team will feature a number of outstanding athletes, including 100m World Record holder Asafa Powell.

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