Djeneba Dosso

LJI Reporter

Audrey Leduc made headlines on Friday after finishing the women’s 100-metres in 10.95 seconds, surpassing the Canadian record she set last April. However, the Gatineau sprinter will have to take a few more laps, this time around the sun, to become a 100-metre finalist in the 2028 Olympics.

The 25-year-old came out fifth during the women’s 100-metres semifinals on Saturday, just .03 seconds shy of a spot in the semifinals. “There’s not much difference. That’s it, that’s beauty,” she said in French post-race. “That’s what gives you a show. That’s life.” 

The sprinter admitted her start wasn’t as optimal as the one that earned her first place on Friday. Nonetheless, she remains a good sport.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a disappointment; we’re still in the Olympics. It’s my first experience in the Games,” she said. “[…] It’s true that I would have wanted to make it to the final, but I don’t think it’s a disappointment in itself.”

Leduc was among 16 Olympic rookies like herself on the 26-woman field at the Stade de France. Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia took gold home after setting a national record time of 10.72 seconds. She was closely followed by world champion Sha’Carri Richardson of the U.S. who earned silver and Melissa Jefferson, also from the U.S., with bronze. 

On Sunday, the Gatineau sprinter won her heat during the women’s 200-metre race where she finished third with a time of 22.88 seconds, earning herself a spot in the semifinals on August 5. 

More to come.

Photo caption

Photo #1: Faster woman in Canada, but not in the world just yet. While Leduc surpassed her own national record on Friday, finishing the 100-metres in 10.95 seconds, it wasn’t enough to qualify for the semifinals. Nonetheless, the Gatineau sprinter advanced to the semifinals for the women’s 200-metres race on Sunday. (DD) Photo: Djeneba Dosso.