Jaden Porte from the Yorkton Legion Track Club qualified and was picked to be on Team Saskatchewan for the 2014 Youth Track and Field Championships that were held in Langley BC this year.
Porte was asked what he thought of attending nationals this year:
"As expected this year's national event held in Langley, B.C. was nothing less than an honour to be a part of," said Porte.
The meet early on kicked off with a bang as around a thousand athletes registered from all around the country. The atmosphere was breath taking as endless rows of screaming fans echoed throughout the stadium.
Porte was one of just 25 athletes that Saskatchewan had taken to this meet.
According to Porte, this meet is one to inspire athletes as they not only get the greatest competition from all around the country, but get to meet people, see new faces, and compete to their fullest ability to represent not only your province but your local district and city as well.
Porte then went on to offer advice to any athlete wishing to compete at this event in the future, saying, "don't be blinded by the thought of not making team Saskatchewan if that may happen in anyway, send your application in anyway as you will still have a great chance to find yourself surrounded by the greatest competitors our country has to offer."
Porte was then asked what he thought about the stiff competition:
"The meet was, as expected, a privilege to be a part of. Hundreds of incredibly talented athletes along with an outstanding environment made this meet the best one I have attended so far.
"Unfortunately I was not very happy with my personal result as I had not run a personal best in either of my events, however I must put this behind me as I have had an incredible season and focus on the next one".
Porte's results at nationals are as follows: A tenth place finish in the 800m with a time of 1:55.96 against 25 other competitors and a 17th place finish in the 1500m with a time of 4:07.92 while running against 24 other competitors.
Porte will now be moving to Saskatoon to take his grade 12 there and will be training with the University of Saskatchewan Husky Track team.
Porte was asked what his next goals will be:
"I would like to break the Saskatchewan Indoor record for 800m and break my previous record in the 1,000m", says Porte.
Lofty goals for sure, especially breaking the Saskatchewan Indoor record for the 800m, however if anyone has a chance to do so it's the Yorkton athlete with his very impressive speed and stamina.
Porte will keep us in the loop as he moves up to the Junior level.
