Kelowna’s very own John Gay and Jerome Blake are are off to the Tokyo Olympics this year – Kelowna News – Castanet.net
Kelowna’s very own John Gay and Jerome Blake are off to the Tokyo Olympics this year.
Blake will be competing in the 4×100 relay, while Gay will be representing Canada in the 3,000-metre steeplechase. Gay says it feels good to finally see the announcement made official.
“There’s something about seeing it officially in writing for the first time, that just kind of seals the deal,” Gay told Castanet. “The last eight days or so it’s been a fairly sure thing, but that being said it’s never over till it’s over, and so seeing that official team nomination today is definitely a weight off the shoulders.”
Gay says being able to represent his home city, a place that he says has supported him throughout his career, is a surreal feeling.
“I feel so much pride coming from a smaller city like that. Kelowna has three track and field athletes which I think is really a testament to the culture of the city, and just the support of the people as well as the school and sport programs,” said Gay. He says he’s received an outpouring of love and support from his family and friends.
Jerome Blake’s coach Pat Ledding says it’s been a long time coming for him, as he’s had his eyes set on the Tokyo Olympics for a while now.
“He’s proud and excited, but more importantly he’s excited to represent Canada on the global stage,” Ledding said. “I’m really excited for him. He’s had an interesting journey, and it’s nice to know this is the beginning of the big story.”
Blake is the first athlete Ledding has worked with who’s made it to the Olympics.
The Olympics will kick off on Jul. 23 through Aug. 8 this year, and more than 11,000 athletes from around the world are expected to be competing.