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Vaughan, ON native Justyn Knight, fresh off of a stellar NCAA division 1 career with the University of Syracuse as well as a national 5,000-metre championships silver medal performance, will be taking in the 2018 NACAC championships 5,000-metre event in Toronto on August 11.
Knight medalled at least three times during the NCAA championships over his university career. He owns an impressive record time of 13:17.51 (for an active NCAA athlete), from the 2017 Payton Jordan Invitational.
On Thursday, July 5 at Terry Fox Stadium in Ottawa, he finished second to Canadian record holder Mo Ahmed (13:01.74) of St. Catharine’s ON, finishing in the time of 14:36.56. He finished half of a second behind Ahmed, in a tactical race.
“The race was very tactical but I expected that in a championship race,” said Knight. “Given the conditions, I think we ran very well.” It was warm and humid.
One-tenth of a second back was recent University of Michigan grad, Ben Flanagan. Knight took Flanagan close to the line, with a strong kick. Flanagan finished his NCAA career with a furious kick over the final lap of the 10,000-metres, weeks before in a performance that saw a 39-second personal best improvement.
“It’s always nice when we can make it interesting for the fans. Up next I hope to be running NACAC championships then I will take a break and go from there,” added Knight.
Knight wasn’t able to share what will come for the fall when asked about running a cross-country season or if he will just train throughout. “I haven’t thought that far ahead yet.”
As for NACAC, he will be joined by 57 other Canadians, 29 women and 29 men for the regional championships meet. He appears to be a medal favourite.
The championships are held at Varsity Stadium August 10, 11 and 12.
The full Team Canada list can be found, here>>
