Callum Lympany’s hard work has paid off.
The Cochrane High School Cobras runner is on his way to the Alberta Summer Games in Leduc as part of the Zone 2 track and field team.
The 17-year-old track star will be taking part in the 400m, 800m, and medley relay events at the competition to be held on July 14 to 17.
“This is the first time I’ve ever tried out for the Summer Games,” Lympany said. “It’s going to be an amazing opportunity to represent the zone and Cochrane.
“I’m very excited to be able to do that.”
Tryouts for the team began back in May at the Calgary Spring Challenge and then ended at the Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association’s (ASAA) High School Provincials in Edmonton earlier this month where Cochrane High captured its third straight provincial Tier 3 title.
Lympany stated he hasn’t had the best season in terms of personal results (coming in sixth overall in the 800m and ninth in the 400m during the school season), but he showed up and delivered when all the chips were down.
“There’s a lot of talent in this area and I wasn’t expecting to be the top athlete representing the zone, but I was hoping to be second so I could make the team or third so I could be called up if they needed me. Instead in tryouts I finished top in both 400m and 800m categories,” he smiled.
“It all just depends on where you finish in zones. If you run a really bad race but still place in the top two, you’re in.”
He’s come a long way in the three years since he started track and field after deciding he wasn’t, “amazing at hockey,” and this is the pinnacle of a career that Lympany hopes will eventually springboard him to a university or college scholarship.
“I’m trying my hardest to become one of the best runners in the country,” he said. “I train three times a week with the Calgary Spartans Track Club, and three days a week by myself at home doing a lot of weights and core training.”
Does he feel he has a chance at returning home with some medals in his pocket?
“Yes,” he confirmed. “I have a strong chance of winning, and I think I’ll be able to medal in each of the different races.”
