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July 3-6, 2008- Canadian Olympic Trials, Windsor, Ontario

Hilary captures second straight Canadian 1500m title, granted extension for Olympic qualifying

In what was considered an extremely unique 1500m this weekend, three women stepped to the line as competitors and teammates working together to go after the Olympic standards.

Hilary, along with fellow Canadians Malindi Elmore and Carmen Douma-Hussar were all in the same position leading into the Canadian Olympic Trials: all without the qualification time this year. And, although they are competitors, the three got together with their coaches before the race and decided to switch leads to help each other out.

“We knew it would be a lot easier to go for the time together than try on our own and we all have a good enough relationship to want to help each other out,” said Hilary after the race. “I’d rather go to Beijing with Malindi and Carmen anyway.”

The plan was the each woman would take a lap and then race for the last 300m. Each held up their end of the bargain, with Hilary leading the third lap and was able to carry the lead right to the line to capture her second Canadian title. Unfortunately, she just missed the “B” standard of 4:08.00, running 4:08.56. Elmore was second in 4:09., with Nicole Edwards rounding out the medals. Douma-Hussar was 4th.

But, the road to Beijing did not end with this race. Both Elmore and Stellingwerff were granted medical appeals: Elmore for an injury that inhibited her from training until May, and Stellingwerff due to anemia in the last month. Both women plan to continue chasing the standard together in Europe. First in Gent, Belgium on July 13 and then in Paris on July 18th.

Find full results of Canadian Olympic Trials here.

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