Nelson's Matti Erickson to represent Canada at World U20 track Championships
By The Nelson Daily Sports
Matti Erickson is off to Nairobi, Kenya.
The Kootenay Chaos Track star was selected by Athletics Canada Monday to represent the country at the World U20 track Championships next month in Nairobi, Kenya.
The two-time BC High School Cross Country medalist and Track and Field star served up a personal best time to capture the 800 meters race at BC Provincial Track and Field Championships held this past weekend in Victoria.
Erickson also won the 1500 meters event at the provincials but will be concentrating on his specialty, the 800 meters event.
The L.V. Rogers Grad leaves August 10th to meet the rest of the team in Toronto, before embarking to the African Country.
The World U20 track Championships run from August 17-24th.
The Canadian team features 11 first-time National Team members, including Erickson.
Athletics Canada said thisyear more than ever, the 2021 World Athletics U20 Championships will prove to be an integral steppingstone for Canadian athletes to pursue their goals of qualifying, competing, and medalling at future World Championships and Olympic Games.
“For many on the team, their entire 2020 campaign was wiped out by the COVID-19 pandemic, and they are heading to Kenya with a shortened 2021 season under their belts,” the Athletics Canada website said.
“Obtaining a personal best, Top 8 – even Top 16 – performance or landing on the podium will certainly pay dividends as they move into the senior ranks.”
When Erickson returns from Kenya, he will be off to attend the University of Oregon in Eugene, Ore., on an athletic scholarship.
