After achieving first career sub-2 performance May 11, Shukla runs 1:58.20 in Montreal to trail only Bishop-Nriagu in Canadian history; Arop captures third consecutive crown, with Abdul-Rashid, Drapeau, Esser, Lorenzo, Morales-Williams, Sherar, Thorne, Warner, White and Wilson also securing titles

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Photos by Geoff Robins, Sean Burges and Brian Rouble of Mundo Sports Images

It is rare for Marco Arop to be upstaged by another 800-meter runner, let alone in his home country.

But that is exactly what happened Saturday night to the reigning World champion at the Bell Track and Field Trials at the Sports Complex of Claude Robillard in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Arop still won his third consecutive national title and fourth overall in his career by clocking 1 minute, 43.71 seconds, with Zakary Mama-Yari earning runner-up in 1:46.59.

But it was Jazz Shukla who stole the spotlight from Arop and every other competitor by not only running the Olympic standard, but achieving a lifetime-best 1:58.20 to prevail in the women’s 800 final and secure her first Canadian crown.

WATCH ENGLISH FEED JUNE 30 OF BELL TRACK AND FIELD TRIALS ON ATHLETICSCANADA.TV | WATCH FRENCH FEED JUNE 30 OF BELL TRACK AND FIELD TRIALS ON ATHLETICSCANADA.TV

Shukla eclipsed the 2-minute barrier for the first time May 11 by running 1:59.94 at the Sound Running Track Fest at Occidental College.

Her performance Saturday helped Shukla elevate to the No. 2 all-time Canadian competitor, trailing only Melissa Bishop-Nriagu, who boasts the six fastest times in the country’s history.

Aurora Rynda, a Michigan graduate, was second in the 800 final in 2:02.03 and Addy Townsend took third at 2:03.15.

Christopher Morales-Williams, a Georgia standout, triumphed in the men’s 400 final in 45.44, with Michael Roth placing second in 46.52.

Zoe Sherar edged former Colorado State standout Lauren Gale by a 51.25 to 51.35 margin in the women’s 400 final, with Canadian 400-meter hurdles record holder Savannah Sutherland of Michigan taking third in 52.00.

Sutherland didn’t enter the 400 hurdles in Montreal, already achieving the Olympic standard with her 53.26 performance to secure second place June 8 at the NCAA Division 1 Championships in Oregon.

Mariam Abdul-Rashid secured victory in the women’s 100-meter hurdles final in a wind-legal 12.83 seconds, with Michelle Harrison clocking 12.99 for second.

Craig Thorne delivered a dominant effort in the men’s 110-meter hurdles championship race to win in a wind-legal 13.65.

Damian Warner was declared the winner in the men’s long jump competition with his opening-round effort of 24-3 (7.39m).

Fabrice Marvin Zongo of Burkina Faso, a special entry who coaches in Ontario, Canada, produced a fifth-round leap of 25-4.50 (7.73m).

Agnes Esser, a former Minnesota competitor, captured the women’s discus throw crown with a third-round effort of 189-5 (57.73m). Julia Tunks placed second at 182-2 (55.54m).

Marguerite Lorenzo was victorious in the women’s high jump final with a third-attempt clearance at 6-1.50 (1.87m).

Andy White won the men’s javelin throw championship with a fifth-round performance of 230-10 (70.36m), holding off Jared O’Riley and his sixth-round mark of 228-6 (69.66m).

Tyler Wilson edged Dmitry Babenko in the men’s 20-kilometer racewalk final by a 1:38:13 to 1:38:16 margin.

Rosalie Drapeau prevailed in the women’s 20-kilometer racewalk competition in 1:46:30.