When Trevor Jacek received the baton – in the split-second exchange of the 4x400 metre relay in the M45 division at the World Masters Athletic Championships this summer in South Korea – Team Canada was in 8th place to start the second leg.
What happened in the following three minutes will be “permanently burned” in his brain.
“In our team discussions (before the race),” remembered Jacek, who is 45-years-old from Saskatoon, “we felt we had a medal chance.
“When the race started, we ended-up behind, but… we were third when the anchor guy got the baton.
“It was so exciting. I felt like a cartoon character because I was jumping up and down.”
Luke Grinder – Canada’s anchor from Alberta – ran Canada into the record books, crossing the finish line first in the relay, just 0.22 seconds ahead of Australia. The United States finished third.
“It will be permanently burned into my brain forever,” continued Jacek. “It was pretty special.”
The win put Jacek and his teammates – Grinder, Patrice Doucet and Markus Skeete – on the podium and formed a bond for the rest of their lives.
It has also fueled Jacek’s tank to get ready for the 2027 World Championships in Florida. “I’m hungry. I am already back in the gym,” he continued. “I’m part of the Running Wild Track Team (in Saskatoon) and I tag along with the Huskies’ track team (in training).”
Striving for a chance to win back-to-back gold medals on the world stage will keep the fire burning during those cold winter months ahead in the Bridge City.
(Photo: Jacek second from right.)
