There is something about the trending numeronym “6 7” that brings the numbers to the cultural fore. We now seem them everywhere; they are inescapable. The numerical motif is a meaningless semantic placeholder, or it can mean whatever one wants it to, for example, Camryn Rogers’ six and Gabriel DeBues-Stafford’s seventh national titles, respectively, “SIX SEVEN!”
Camryn Rogers hammers home another title
The Greater Vancouver native (Richmond) Camryn Rogers extended her year‑long domestic unbeaten streak Thursday at the 2026 Canadian Track & Field Championships, claiming yet another hammer throw title and reminding everyone why she’s the reigning world champion.
“I’m so happy about this entire season,” said Rogers, now a six‑time Canadian champion. “To continue on from winning Worlds, throwing 80 metres, and still feel like I’m building — that’s the greatest part about our sport,” said the defending Olympic and World champion.
Rogers’ win set the tone for a productive day in the throws. Youssef Koudssi took the men’s discus with a 56.12m best, Talia Phangura claimed the U20 women’s shot put at 14.65m, and Gursher Gabri won the U20 men’s hammer with 65.01m.
Jillian Weir from Ontario tossed a 69.50m effort for second place, while Jinay Shomachuck from Lethbridge-based Chinook Track & Field Club tossed a 69.27 m effort for third place on the day.
DeBues‑Stafford and Lumb Control the 5000m
Gabriela DeBues‑Stafford collected her seventh national title, cruising to a 15:23.26 win in the women’s 5000m. Training in Scotland has apparently made her wind‑proof.
She also currently holds six national and one North American record, so that is ..6…7…too.
Her personal best is the national record at 14:31.38, it is also the short track or indoor North American record.
“You can never take national titles for granted,” she said. “Jaydyn pushed in the middle, and it became a mental switch, a good step in the right direction before we get back to key training.”
Jadyn Keeler of Ontario finished second in 15:30.49, Simone Plourde representing Saint-Laurent Sélect clocked a 15:40.03; the Quebec native has run 39 seconds faster, indoors.
Kieran Lumb matched DeBues-Stafford’s composure with a tactical masterclass in the men’s race, winning in 14:24.29.
“Every year the race plays out differently,” said Lumb. “This one was more tactical, but the job is to win races and get the most out of myself.”
Lumb is now training in Norway under the coaching direction of Gert Ingebrigtsen, father of the multi-Olympic medallist Jakob Ingebrigtsen.
Matthew Beaudet from Saint-Laurent Sélect clocked 14:29.06 for second, and Thomas Laviolette from Corsaire-Chaparral took third, 14:31.31.
In U20 action, Brendan Currie won the men’s race in 14:40.75, while Adrianna Buitelaar set a Canadian U20 Championship record of 17:27.02.
Steeplechase: Desgagnés makes it four, Fetherstonhaugh breaks through
Jean‑Simon Desgagnés collected his fourth straight national steeplechase title, navigating the puddles and the field in 8:50.71.
“It’s tough to be that consistent,” he said. “Bad weather day, good day for me.”
Grace Fetherstonhaugh, representing Royal City Track & Field Club in New Westminster (Greater Vancouver), took the women’s title in 9:35.36, outlasting a deep field that included Regan Yee, Ceili McCabe, and Katelyn Stewart‑Barnett.
“I was nervous, but confident,” she said. “I haven’t had a race I’m super proud of yet this season; today felt strong.”
Katelyn Stewart-Barnett, attending Michigan State University, but also from New Westminster, took second in 9:40.80. Regan Yee, who passed through New Westminster herself, a few times while toiling in nearby Langley area and Trinity Western University, is originally from Hazelton, BC, a small “interior town.” She once held the national record in the event of 9:24.82, which continues to be her personal best.
U20 titles went to Liam Palmer (9:31.55) and Frances Maleod (10:36.51).
Cormier and Volkman sweep 400m wheelchair titles
Dante Cormier won the men’s 400m wheelchair race in 56.75, while Britney Volkman claimed the women’s title in 1:20.75.
Decathlon: Mackay survives the chaos
Day 2 opened with drama as overnight leader Nathaniel Paris did not finish the 110m hurdles, clearing the runway for Jackson Mackay to seize control and never let go. He finished with 7812 points.
“I’m happy to be done all 10 events,” Mackay said. “It’s a grind — eating constantly, competing through pain — but I’m happy with how it went.”
Adam Freure won the U20 decathlon with 6758 points.
Looking ahead: Friday in Ottawa
Friday brings a full slate of para finals: 100m, 400m, 1500m across wheelchair, ambulatory, CP, and frame running categories, plus seated and ambulatory throws.
On the Olympic‑program side, it’s all about the 100m and 400m finals for U20 and senior athletes. Shot put star Sarah Mitton headlines the field events, joined by senior women’s javelin, and U20 discus, hammer, pole vault, and long jump.
Christopher Morales Williams posted the fastest men’s 400m prelim (46.02). The women’s final is shaping up as a heavyweight clash featuring Lauren Gale, Zoe Sherar, Jasneet Nijjar, and a deep supporting cast.
Championship info
The 2026 Canadian Track & Field Championships presented by Bell run June 17–21 at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility in Ottawa, serving as trials for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Stream all the action live from Ottawa on AthleticsCanada.tv. The live webcast and on-demand videos are available for RunnerSpace +PLUS subscribers. Sign up here.
