During the last year, Savannah Sutherland has moved quickly and breaking records.
But during the next week, the phenomenon of 21 -year -old obstacles is taking a deserved rest of the preparation for Canadian citizens and world championships. She is in her hometown of Borden, Sask., Spending time with her family and working in a new role.
“I am an aunt from February,” Sutherland told CBC Sports. “My nephew [is] About five months old now, so that is really special for me. The family is huge for me. “
It marks a slower rhythm that Sutherland had been operating during the past year. That began with his Olympic debut last summer in Paris and concluded with a spectacular performance to end his university career with the University of Michigan in the outdoor championships of the NCAA last month.
Sutherland captured his second NCAA title in the obstacles of 400 female meters when executing a record time of 52.46 seconds in Hayward Field in Eugene, Oreg.
It was also the fastest time registered in the event.
The best NCAA Best of 52.75 was established in 2018 by the two-time Olympic champion, and the current No. 1 of the world-Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.
Sutherland and McLaughlin-Levrone are the only corridors in the history of the NCAA that break 53 seconds, and the Canadian is still reaching an agreement with being in such an exclusive company.
“Obviously, Sydney is the best to have done it, so it is surreal to have my name mentioned in the same conversations as his, honestly,” said Sutherland.
“I don’t think that will ever sink.”
Sutherland has already shared the song with McLaughlin-Levrone, when the Canadian reached the final in his Olympic debut, ending seventh. That race marked another moment of record book for Sutherland, becoming the youngest Canadian to reach an Olympic track final.
Apart from the records, making that final open Sutherland’s eyes to his own growing potential.
“I think doing the Olympic final last season really increased my trust,” said Sutherland. “I think that was the big difference this season, just knowing that the roof is higher than I expected.”
“When I did the Paris Olympic Games, I sent me the message that, today, it doesn’t matter who is on the track, I belong there, I have earned my place there because I have competed at the highest level. But now that I am the ninth place of all time, there are usually nine lanes on the track, so now it is like who is on the track, I have been my place there.”
Not long after breaking the McLaughlin-Levrone record, Sutherland was appointed athlete of the Athletanist Athletics of the NCAA. That made his first Michigan athlete won a national honor in athletics.
“Michigan is definitely more distance [running] The school, historically, “he said.” You know, Saskatchewan is not really a great track place either. So, I have always been a place where maybe it was a bit more difficult, or maybe you had to work a little harder, drive a little further or compete indoors for longer than other places.
“So [I] He only leaned on that and felt familiar in that regard. “
The NCAA champion in the 400m obstacles, sits with the hosts lost Felicien and Aaron Brown to reflect on an incredible university career.
The support of the city ‘pushed me to the next level’
Sutherland grew in the town of Borden, which is about 50 kilometers northwest of Saskatoon. The population only has about 300 and Sutherland accredits the “united community” for helping her to reach where she is today.
“Everyone knows everything that happens in the life of the other, which can sometimes be a blessing and a curse, [but] For me it was mainly a blessing because I always had the support of the entire community behind me, “said Sutherland.
“I think it was a conductive factor because it pushed me to want to represent these people that I know are supporting me. I think it led me to the next level, knowing that I was running for everyone else and achieving all these things for the whole community and not just for me.”
While he was aware of the athletics sports of small meetings in elementary school, Sutherland really took the first steps in his career following in the footsteps of his older brother, school.
“It’s five years older than me, and I really admired and pursued him in many ways,” Sutherland said. “Then, I would find myself inscribed in the sports I passionate.
“And I said: ‘Hey, that’s great. I want to try to do that.'”
It was at a high school meeting in 2016 where a coach of a neighboring city noticed Sutherland’s raw talent and approached her with an offer.
“[He] He said, you know, ‘hey, you are quite fast. You should see this track camp in the summer. And I did it, and then it ended up being selections for the Saskatchewan team, “he said.” I ended up going and being selected for U16 nationals and doing the [100]he [200]he [300]And then both relays. “
Sutherland, 13, reached the final in the 100 in that event, but was mostly memorable for her because it was when she bought her first pair of track peaks and learned to use the starting blocks.
Sutherland was not immediately attracted to the event for which he is now known, but his talent was undeniable.
“Yes, obstacles in general were something I really didn’t want to do,” he said with a smile. “First, my coach [Lee Wolfater] He told me to only check it. Then, I doubted a lot.
“He said: ‘We will do it for two meetings. And if it goes horribly, you never have to see an obstacle in your life.'”
Sutherland won both races in Saskatoon and would see many, many obstacles again, since it began to specialize in the 400 meter obstacles.
It did not spend much time until both Sutherland brothers left their mark on Saskatchewan Track and Field, whose evidence is still visible in their high school gym.
“It’s now fun because our provincial banners hang next to each other on the gym wall,” he said. “That is quite special. I would definitely say [my brother was] The driving factor “.
His brother and his parents still live in Borden, but Sutherland has a tangible connection with his family when he runs, in the form of Silver St. Christopher’s necklace. That “luck collar” is around Sutherland’s neck every time it runs, and said it serves as a reminder of why it competes.
“I look at it every time I am in the blocks and I remember myself for who I am running and why I am doing what I do.”
World Championship on the horizon
The 2025 Sutherland season will continue with some more meetings, including Canadian citizens, before completing with the September World Championship in Tokyo, where its goal is clear.
“Honestly, [I’m] trying to maintain my low expectations. [The] The first thing is to do the final as I did last year, “he said.” It is a super competitive event, at this time and I feel that anything can happen, especially when there are obstacles involved. So I’m trying to keep my head straight and, hopefully, finish higher than last year.
“While I am moving forward, I think that is enough for me.”
