Montreal will host the Olympic and Paralympic Track and Field Trials from June 27 to 30, 2024 at Complexe sportif Claude-Robillard.
In addition to Montreal, Edmonton, Calgary, Ottawa, London and Nanaimo in British Columbia had submitted a bid book.
“The competition was strong and Montreal was the unanimous choice among all the members of the selection committee,” said the general manager of the Quebec Athletics Federation (FQA) Marc Desjardins. The success of the nationals in 2019 was a good calling card as well as the quality of the facilities. »
“The quality and expertise of the members of the organizing committee also weighed heavily in the balance,” continued Desjardins. A total of 95 percent of team leaders from our 30 committees have returned. »
Good crowds peaking at nearly 7,000 in the 2019 100m session was another selling point for the FQA. A total of 29,000 people passed through the turnstiles during the seven scheduled sessions.
Initially, the FQA had obtained the mandate to present the 2019 Nationals and the 2020 Trials which had been postponed to 2021 due to the pandemic.
“I’m happy that we can complete the work started in 2019,” said Desjardins. This will close the loop. Last year, Tests had taken place, but it was a scale model. It was one of the first events presented in Quebec. There were only 150 athletes and we were on a closed circuit. It was not the desired event and it is fun that the Trials are back. »
A success in 2019
Athletics Canada is also happy to return to Montreal.
“The 2019 Canadian Championships were the most successful edition in history,” said Athletics Canada’s new CEO Mathieu Gentès in a press release, “and we look forward to working with our partners to organize the best Canadian Trials of all time. »
The 2022 and 2023 nationals will be held in Langley, British Columbia. If Quebec has not submitted its candidacy for the 2025 and 2026 editions, Desjardins ensures that its group expects Montreal to remain a destination of choice in the future. In addition to the work planned at the Sports Complex, the FQA will give its staff a break. »
“After an absence of 20 years, we got back on the map in 2019, he illustrated. We had to prove ourselves. We won’t wait another 20 years to submit a new application. We want our place on a regular basis. We have demonstrated that we are a destination of choice with exceptional facilities. »
A first since 1996
Before 2021, the last Olympic Trials presented in Montreal dated back to 1992 and 1996 when Desjardins acted at the time as promoter of the event with a colleague.
“In 2019, we opted for the formula of a project that would bring together all the stakeholders, explained Desjardins. This collective project which includes the clubs is stronger than a private promoter. »
