Julie Labonté of Ste-Justine wins Gold; London’s Parry wins Silver at Commonwealth Youth GamesWednesday, October 15, 2008 OTTAWA – Julie Labonté from Ste-Justine, QC won gold today in the women’s shot put and Jessica Parry of London, ON won silver in the women’s 1500-metres at the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games currently taking place in Pune, India. Canada also fared well in the relays today in Pune winning a pair of bronze medals. The men’s 4x100-metres relay team including Simon Leveillé of Mascouche, QC, Phillip Hayle of Brampton, ON, Segun Makinde of Ottawa, ON and Andre Hamilton of Scarborough, ON finished third in a time of 41.31 seconds. The Canadians trailed Sri Lanka who took gold in 40.85 and Australia in 41.08. The women’s 4x100-metres team including Olivia Charnuski of Elmira, ON, Loudia Laarman of Lethbridge, AB, Alyssa Johnson of Winnipeg, MB and Karlene Hurrel of Edmonton, AB also finished third in a time of 46.83 seconds. Gold went to the host country in 46.27 and silver went to Australia in 46.74. Labonté’s best throw of 15.02-metres edged out Lamataimi Lolo of Australia who recorded a mark of 14.73-metres and third place finisher Tasele Satupai of Samoa who finished the event with a best throw of 14.24-metres. Jessica Parry, the Canadian Flag Bearer at the Opening Ceremonies of these Games, finished in 4:20.59 just behind gold medalist Stacy Ndiwa of Kenya who crossed the line in 4:20.16. Ciara Mageean of Ireland took the bronze in 4:22.53. Geneviève Lalonde from Moncton, NB placed 6th in the race recording a time of 4:26.38. Canada’s track and field medal count at the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games now stands at five; yesterday Ariane Beaumont-Courteau won silver in the women’s pole vault. Track and field competition concludes tomorrow with the Games officially closing on Saturday October 18th. Other Canadians in action today
Visit Athletics Canada’s Championships website for more information: www.athletics.ca/page.asp?id=307 -AC- For more information: Mathieu Gentès Emily Hooper |