Avery Pearson represented Team Saskatchewan at the 2019 Legion Track and Field Championships from Aug. 9 to 11 in Sydney, Nova Scotia. (submitted photo/Daryl Pearson)

By Nikita Ganovicheff

National Gold

M.L. athlete medals at National Track and Field Championship

Aug 19, 2019 | 5:00 PM

A Meadow Lake athlete stood on the podium several times at the 2019 Legion Track and Field Championship in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Avery Pearson was a part of Team Saskatchewan and won gold in the under-18 800-metre dash with a time of 2:08.71 and the 4×400-metre rally. She also won the silver medal in the 400-metre dash with a time of 55.35.

“It’s still sinking in because it was a crazy experience,” Pearson said. “I’m very proud of myself. I put in a lot of hardwork and dedication throughout this summer leading up to the track meet. I knew I could potentially be on the podium but I was not expecting first. I just wanted to go in their work hard and see what happens.”

The end of the 800-metre was a photo finish according to Pearson, as she tried to catch up to the two runners in front of her in the last 200 metres. She said training on her own has helped her with her mental toughness and makes her a better athlete.

“It’s not over until it’s over,” Pearson said.

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Avery Pearson won two gold medals and a silver medal in three under-18 running events. (Submitted photo/Daryl Pearson)

Pearson broke a provincial record in the 800-metre earlier this summer at the Saskatchewan High School Athletics Association (SHSAA) provincial track and field meet in Moose Jaw. Pearson finished with a time of 2:12.22 beating the previous record 2:14.70 held by Jane Bolstad since 1979.

“It definitely gave me a lot of confidence that I could do well at nationals,” Pearson said.

Pearson is taking a one week break before preparing for the Carpenter High School cross country team in the fall.

“Throughout the next part of my high school running career, I just want to keep it up and try to prevent any injuries and keep working hard,” Pearson said.

Another member of Team Saskatchewan, Jenna McFadyen of Maidstone placed fifth in the under-18 3000-metre run with a time of 10:02.73. McFadyen also set a new SHSAA provincial record this year for the 3000-metre with a time of 10:06.70.

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nikita.ganovicheff@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @Nikitaganov