Young Sask. track athletes inspired by Canada's success in Rio
Regina track and field club has had to turn down many applicants
The success of Canadian track and field athletes at the Rio Olympics is inspiring youngsters in Saskatchewan.
Humboldt, Sask., product Brianne Theisen-Eaton has been inspiring people in her home province with years of success. On Saturday, Theisen-Eaton won an Olympic bronze medal in women's heptathlon.
On Sunday, another Canadian fired up track and field fans in one of the most popular events in the world. Andre De Grasse won a bronze medal in the men's 100-metre final, Canada's first medal in that event since Donovan Bailey's gold in 1996.
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In Regina, Karsun Burkholder said he's been watching the Olympics non-stop.
The 14-year-old competes provincially in hurdles and heptathlon. He said seeing Canadians and a Saskatchewan athlete succeed at the highest level helps him believe he can do well.
"As an athlete, it's amazing to be able to think you can do that," he said. "And Sask. Athletics and Canadian track and field has really picked up."
Burkholder is currently with Excel Athletika Track and Field Club.
"I think maybe I could do that one day," he said. "It's possible and it gives me hope sometimes."
Burkholder obviously isn't the only one who feels that way. His coach at Excel Athletika said track and field in southern Saskatchewan has become so popular, registration is full. He even had to turn down many applicants.
"It's really been picking up," Burkholder said. "We've been getting so many good members in our club and it's been great."
Burkholder, who is getting ready to start Grade 9, said he's also seen immigrants and newcomers to the province embraced in the track and field world.