Zaynna Willoughby running hurdles

By Lisa Parent

Medicine Hat Panthers: Cultivating future Olympians and athletes

Aug 14, 2023 | 4:42 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – As the end of August approaches, so does the end of many organized sports. The Medicine Hat Panthers track and field team finished their season strong with a number of podium finishes.

Leo Gayle is the head sprinting coach for the Panthers, who used to train with the same coach who taught Usain Bolt. He says those who excel in track are the ones staying longer after practice, asking questions, and going that extra mile.

“What we need from our athletes is dedication and commitment. I think what happens behind the scenes, meaning off the track, is where the real work happens,” explains Gayle.

He adds, “the part of it that’s also crucial is the mental aspect, and we find that some of the athletes here do have that mental drive.”

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One young Panther athlete is meeting those very expectations.

Zaynna Willoughby just finished Legion Nationals in Quebec, where she placed 6th in Discus in Canada.

“I think it’s just pushing myself to the limits. I get to compete against myself, I get to push myself as far and as hard as I want every day, and it’s really the dedication I put in that brings the results out,” says Willoughby.

Coach Gayle says her success comes as no surprise.

“Zaynna is an amazing athlete. She started out doing track and has transitioned into the field. It speaks to her ability to just multitask. She’s one of those athletes that her range is wide, and so working with her is great,” Gayle explains

Gayle says another notable Panther athlete was Sarah Pimblett. Pimblett competed as a University of British Columbia athlete during the school year, but for the summer, Pimblett rejoined the Panthers and mentored younger athletes giving back to the program.

“The Panthers was a big part of how I came to really appreciate track and really get good at track, which led into my recruitment to UBC. So it really gave me a lot. So I kind of wanted to do what I could to help some other kids find the same,” mentions Pimblett.

While these two represent the future of track, there have already been great products out of Medicine Hat such as Olympian Sage Watson. Gayle is hopeful that this can happen again.

“I think the future is huge, there’s a lot of talent here in Medicine Hat, and who knows, the next Olympian may just be again from Medicine Hat,” Gayle says.

As an inclusive, diverse and encouraging environment, coach Gayle encourages Hatters to put their kids in track next season.

Those interested in joining the team, coaching, or putting their kids in track can visit the Panthers track and field Facebook page, or email the Panthers here: medhatpanthers@gmail.com