Harrison runs into record books at 55th annual K of C Games

Saskatoon’s Michelle Harrison is running into the record books.

At least her personal record books.

The fifth-year University of Saskatchewan Huskie broke her personal best twice during Saturday’s 60-metre hurdles at the Knights of Columbus Indoor Games as she continues her quest to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

“I’m just really happy that things are finally coming together. I’ve had a rough couple of weeks, so for things to start to align is a great start to my season,” she said.

In a roughly one-hour span, Harrison ran 8.25 seconds in the 60 metres women’s invitational preliminary before registering an 8.22 personal best time in the finals.

Harrison’s time in the final made her the fastest Canadian indoor hurdler this season, beating out Joy Spearchief-Morris’ time of 8.30 from a week ago.

Reflecting on her final K of C Games as a Huskie in the building where she learned to sprint and hurdle made for a profound experience.

“I started running at the K of C Games when I was in grade 6, and I remember looking up to these athletes when I was young, so it’s really cool to be able to run against them and do well now,” Harrison said.

K of C Games brings rich history

The draw of the annual track meet is its blend of talent and amateur potential.

Dale Yellowlees calls all the action at the Knights of Columbus Indoor Games at the Saskatoon Field House on Jan. 25, 2020. (Keenan Sorokan/650 CKOM)

The meet features elementary, high school and university athletes, in addition to 30 top-level Olympic hopefuls from Canada and the U.S.

“That’s why we do it — to create that opportunity. Some of the international athletes will tell you that’s the fun of coming here,” organizer Dale Yellowlees said of the chance elementary school students get to run moments before some of the world’s best.

Yellowlees has been alongside the action for most of the 55 years since he competed in the first games before venturing into coaching and organizing. Now he spends his time as announcer and invitations director.

“Sort of my first sport, first love sort of thing,” Yellowlees said of the games that bring him back every year.

Advertising athleticism of all levels isn’t a gimmick. Many local, national and even Olympic champions have graced the Saskatoon Field House for the K of C Games before garnering international attention.

“One of the early champions won our race in ’95/’96 and then went on and won the Olympic gold medal that summer, so we do occasionally have that.”

Part of the initiative of the games is also extending the love of the sport to the youngsters. Some of the top athletes met with students from community schools during the week to share personal journeys in hopes of inspiring the area’s next talent.

“We had hundreds of kids here screaming and yelling and having fun. Athletes were talking to them and high-fiving them. That’s the whole point of this — to create something that contributes to the environment of track and field in Saskatoon,” Yellowlees said.