Cale Hernandez brought home a bronze medal from the Legion Canadian Youth Track and Field Championships in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, which took place August 17 through 19.
The 17-year-old Powell River athlete competed for BC’s youth team in the octathlon event, which combines the scores of the 100-metre dash, 400-metre dash, 1,000-metre race, 110-metre hurdles, shot put, javelin throw, long jump and high jump.
The end of the first day’s competition saw Hernandez in first place after he finished fifth in the 100-metre dash, third in the 400-metre dash and second in shot put. The star athlete also gained a personal best in long jump at 6.51 metres, earning him first place in the event.
While kicking off the second day, Hernandez hit a bump in the road when a poor start in the 110-metre hurdles allowed four of the nine other competitors to pass him in points. His recovery was quick though, with a sixth place in high jump and a fourth place in javelin bringing him up to third place overall.
With another competitor following close behind him in points, the last event, 1,000-metre race, put Hernandez in a battle for third place. Although the fourth place competitor finished before him, Hernandez still managed a personal best of 2:57.11 and finished close enough to retain his third-place position.
Hernandez and his family appreciate the support and encouragement they have received through Powell River Breakers Track and Field Club.
