Damian Warner: Instant Profile
Decathlete is a two-time world championships medallist
By Callum Ng
Coming straight out of London, Ont., Damian Warner has become a big name in the decathlon. In 2015 Warner broke Mike Smith's 19-year-old national mark and earned a second worlds medal, all while training on Western's classic purple track.
Warner was fifth at the London Olympic Games.
Famous moment
Breaking Mike Smith's Canadian decathlon record and winning gold at the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games.
He said it...
- "When I started track and field in 2010, I set the goal that 2012 was going to be my year where I get the experience and 2016 was going to be the year that I win the gold medal. That's still my goal to this day and I'm hoping that's the case at the end of the Olympics."
What they're saying about him...
- "He's not looking at going to Rio and finishing behind [world record-holder] Ashton Eaton he's looking at going and winning gold." - Vickie Croley, one of Damian's coaches, long-time coach at Western University
Strengths
Warner took up track and field in 2010, only two years before he finished fifth at London 2012, his first Olympics. His most startling asset is how much better he gets with experience.
Weaknesses
Over a short time, Warner has improved nearly everywhere. But it's the pesky pole vault, an event he has little love for, that has been the most resistant to increase.
Fun fact
Warner is a massive Raptors fan and Vince Carter holds hero status for him.
Born and lives in
London, Ont.