Chris Johnson Headed to Japan

Konichiwa everyone!

We are excited to announce that Thunderbirds endurance coach, Chris (CJ) Johnson, has been selected for the coaching staff for Team Canada headed to Japan next week for the Chiba Ekiden Relay.  It is a small, but very elite team heading to this relay, including Vancouver’s Chris Winter and Dylan Wykes, and newly crowned Canadian Marathon record holder, Lanni Marchant.  To be supporting such elite athletes on his first National Team assignment is a great testament to CJ’s ability as a coach and a vote of confidence from the team’s head coach, Dave Scott-Thomas. 

Congrats on the assignment, CJ!

Thunderbirds show their strength at BC High School Champs

Several Thunderbirds competed for their school teams at the BC High School Cross Country Championships at Aldergrove Lake Park. Conditions were challenging as the runners were faced with driving rain, mud, and a demanding course. Our strongest category was the senior girls which saw four Thunderbirds finish in the top 20 in a field of 232. Calli Charlton stormed home in 3rd place and was closely followed by Audrey Warner in 6th. Sophie Dodd (14th) and Leiah Kirsh (16th) also had strong performances. Other Thunderbirds in action were Sarah Diamond (36th), Manon Plouvier (108th), Tomo Newton (122nd), Madison Wong (146th), and Katia Lumb (174th). The senior boys were led by Kieran Lumb (39th), Max Trummer (54th), Matthew Taylor (55th), and Thomas Broatch (73rd).

In the junior girls category, the Thunderbirds were represented by Sophia Quinn (12th), Madeleine Pringle (18th), and Makena Marshall (84th). The junior boys category saw several Thunderbirds in action and were represented by Roberto Pelayo Mazzone (13th), Michael Harris (16th), Paul Fisher (43rd), Oliver Jang (55th), Ben Paetzel (100th), Willem Palaty (104th), Calum Mackenzie (118th), and Lynden Savage (154th).

Congratulations to everyone that participated in this great event!

Results and photos can be found at www.bcxc.ca