It takes a lot of talent to make it to the top of the podium but it takes a lot of grit and determination to stay there. Lucky for Alexa Dow, she’s got all three.
The Frances Kelsey School soon-to-be 11th Grader has reached a milestone goal of earning a coveted spot on the Canadian National track team following a championship effort recently at the BC High School Provincial Track and Field Championships.
For the second straight year, Dow clinched gold medals in both the 1500m and 800m races at the provincial meet, this year held in Langley June 8-10. What’s more, she did it faster than ever before.
Dow shattered her own 800m record, set last year, by three seconds, running a 2:07.41.
The time solidified her position as the fastest 800m runner in the history of BC High School Athletics, not only in the junior category but among the seniors as well.
Dow’s success has earned her a coveted spot on the Canadian National team which will compete in the 2023 Youth Commonwealth Games in Trinidad and Tobago in August.
Part of a 17 athlete contingent, Dow will race for Canada in the 800m and 1500m.
“Earning a spot on the Canadian National Youth Team is an absolute dream come true,” she said. “I’m so honoured to be racing for Canada at the Youth Commonwealth Games.”
Dow trains with the Prairie Inn Harriers Youth Racing Team in Victoria under the guidance of her coach, two-time Olympian Bruce Deacon and a group of 13 athletes who challenge her day in and day out.
“I feel so fortunate to have such an amazing team to train with,” Dow said. “They push me to be my best but we have a lot of fun in the process.”
Dow next competes in the U20 category of Canadian Track and Field Nationals in Langley July 27-30 and hopes to continue her winning ways.
She was the gold medal winner for the BC Provincial High School Cross Country Championships in November of 2022 and currently holds U16 provincial records in the 800m, 1200m and 1500m events. She also came away from the BC Summer Games last year in Prince George with three gold medals and two Summer Games records in the 800m and 1200m.
