Natalie Thompson Returns From Fun Time at Nationals

Natalie Thompson has returned home to Bonnyville after a weekend in Ottawa. The Lakeland Yellowjackets member enjoyed a weekend of competition and exploration.

Having Fun

Thompson landed in Ottawa on July 6. The competition grounds were located right next to Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Natalie took her chance to walk around the grounds while not at the track. She also visited Rideau Canal. The other side of sight-seeing was done at the track. Thompson had the chance to meet rising Canadian track star Andre De Grasse. De Grasse won a silver medal and two bronze medals for Canada at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics.

“It was lots of fun. It was a really cool experience. There were so many big names.” Thompson adds.

Performing on the national stage

Natalie Thompson had a tall order in front of her. She was competing on the national stage against a field of Under-20 women. She was able to finish fourth in qualifying for Long Jump. She finished 12th in the field. In Triple Jump (Natalie’s number one competition), she jumped 11.49m and finished in 7th on the national stage.

“I didn’t jump amazing. I didn’t jump how I usually do for some reason. I don’t know if it was the time change or the weather. I still did alright.” Natalie says.

Yellowjackets get their member back for a bit

Thompson returned home to Bonnyville on Monday. She practiced with her home club the Lakeland Yellowjackets on Tuesday. She heads to St. Paul on Wednesday for more training before heading out to Edmonton on Thursday. She will fly to Winnipeg for the Tri-Province Meet July 14-16. Thompson has two more meets after this upcoming weekend.

Yellowjackets to be at provincials

Speaking of provincials, the Lakeland Yellowjackets will be sending more than just Natalie Thompson to provincials in Sherwood Park. Mason Sartain will compete July 22-23 alongside Thompson.

“The club is there, and gives them that avenue. Mason came out to track relatively late, he just turned 13. He has a lot of natural ability and has a lot of success in his first year.” Yellowjackets Coach Larry Godziuk explains.