While Logan Duley's high school track and field career at Robert A. McMath has come to an end, the sprinter has much to look forward to as he will be heading to the University of Toronto in the fall, where he will compete for the Varsity Blues!
I caught up with Duley about how he got his start in athletics, his journey to UofT and what lies ahead.
Personal Bests
60m: 6.98
100m: 10.65
200m: 22.66
Career Accolades
2023 BC HS Track and Field Championships 4x100m Gold
2023 BC HS Track and Field Championships 100m Silver
2022 BC Jamboree 100m Bronze
Duley has been involved in sports since a young age, but it was baseball that first caught his eye and from there, that is when he realized his natural ability to run fast.
"In elementary school I played baseball and discovered my speed during the relay races. In Grade 3 I entered the BC Elementary Championships, which was held by my local club, the Kajaks, and I placed second in the 60m. Inspired, I joined the Kajaks in Grade 5, marking the start of my track career."
From that point on Duley experienced what most athletes do - the highs and lows of their sport. From injuries, the pandemic, to dropped batons and missed opportunities, there was always something to overcome, but that never deterred Duley from chasing success and this season everything came together. During the 2023 BC High School Championships, Duley, along with his teammates from McMath became Provincial Champions in the 4x100m relay.
"One of my most treasured track memories is winning the 4x100. This achievement had been a lifelong aspiration of mine. In Grade 8 our dreams were shattered when the baton was dropped during provincials and then the pandemic hit. With another go in Grade 11, despite facing injuries and another baton mishap, we still managed to place seventh at provincials. However, it was my Grade 12 season that stood out. We won gold and became the second fastest in BC High School Championships history with a time of 42.43. Sharing this with my teammates, Lyle, Holt and Quinn was an incredible moment."
There is nothing like the special moments shared with teammates, those that know all the challenges faced throughout the years. Memories like that are sure to last a lifetime and inspire more moments to come. As well, Duley also has more to be proud of and look back on, including his success with his individual events throughout his high school career that was again full of obstacles.
"In Grade 8, I struggled, finishing third to last in the 100m and failing to qualify for provincials in the 200m. After a two-year hiatus from track, I was thrilled when the opportunity for a season finally arrived. Being in Grade 11 and on the younger side of the senior age group, I didn't have high expectations. However, to my surprise, I finished fifth in the 100 at the BC High School Championships. A few weeks later, at U20 Nationals, I achieved a sub-11 second clocking for the first time. Excited for my Grade 12 year, I overcame a hamstring injury before the season and made a strong recovery. Despite having the slowest heat time and battling a strong headwind in the finals, I had the support of my friends cheering me on and I placed second in the 100 at the BC High School Championships."