Injuries plague Canadian track stars at national championships
Andre De Grasse forfeited the national sprint titles, while Moh Ahmed recorded a DNF in the 5,000m
Nick Iwanyshyn / James Rhodes (@jrhodesathletics)
The 2025 Canadian Track and Field Championships opened Wednesday at Ottawa’s Terry Fox Athletic Facility with no shortage of excitement–but the biggest storylines weren’t about who won, but who didn’t.
Seven-time Olympic medallist and reigning national 100m champion Andre De Grasse has withdrawn from the meet with a hamstring injury, leaving the sprint title up for grabs. Meanwhile, Canadian distance star Moh Ahmed suffered a calf injury during Thursday’s 5,000m final, pulling out with just 400 metres to go.
De Grasse sidelined
“Unfortunately, I won’t be competing this weekend,” De Grasse said on Wednesday per CTV News Ottawa. “I picked up a little bit of tightness a couple of weeks ago with my hamstring, so I’m going to play it safe and not do any extra damage.”
Still lacking the 200m world standard, the Markham, Ont., native showed up to the meet intending to race, spikes and all. But after that hamstring tightness returned during a warmup on Wednesday, Athletics Canada and coach Glenroy Gilbert agreed it wasn’t worth the risk–especially with the NACAC Championships just a few weeks away. De Grasse says he’ll stay in Ottawa to make his rounds, signing autographs and meeting fans.
The 100m prelims and finals take place Friday evening, while the 200m is set for Sunday.
De Grasse expects to be back in top form in time for September’s World Athletics Championships.
5,000m heartbreak
Ahmed, competing for the first time this year, was sitting fourth when he stepped off the track around the 4,600m, clutching his left calf. He managed to hobble away, suggesting, hopefully, a strain, rather than a tear.
Vancouver’s Kieran Lumb seized the title in 13:40.53, followed by Justyn Knight in 13:43.50 and Thomas Fafard of Repentigny, Que., rounding out the podium in 13:44.10.
Thanks to his 12:54.90 at the Rome Diamond League last August, Ahmed already owns the 5,000m qualifying standard for the World Championships, so assuming a smooth recovery, his spot on Team Canada remains secure.
Gabriela DeBues-Stafford qualifies for World Championships at Canadian nationals
For full results from the 2025 Canadian Track and Field Championships, or to see the upcoming schedule, see here.
