When the news broke that McGill University was cutting its historic track and field program after 125 years, Canadian Olympic champion sprinter Bruny Surin was incredulous. Surin, a gold medallist at the 1996 Olympics, dismissed the announcement as a hoax when he first saw it on Instagram. McGill’s decision to cut 25 sports teams, including women’s rugby, men’s volleyball, and lacrosse, has left many athletes, including Surin, disappointed.
Surin has since taken action, reaching out to influential figures within the university to explore possible solutions to save the program. He emphasized the significance of McGill’s track and field legacy, urging a reconsideration of the decision. The move to ax the program has triggered a wave of concern and disappointment among athletes, with prominent figures like Andre De Grasse and Nicolas Macrozonaris speaking out against the decision.
Macrozonaris, a former Olympian and Canadian champion, highlighted the vital role McGill’s program played in his career development and expressed concerns about the impact the closure would have on future athletes. The track program’s long-standing coach, Dennis Barrett, also emphasized the opportunities it provided to athletes and the need to preserve such institutions.
Despite McGill’s rationale citing sustainability issues, many have questioned the decision, especially regarding the track and field program’s exclusion from the retained sports. The outcry against the cut reflects a broader sentiment that the move could hinder the development of athletes and diminish the university’s legacy in sports.
As debates continue over McGill’s decision, stakeholders are hopeful that a resolution can be reached to secure the future of the track and field program and honor its rich history.
