There is much to be done ahead of the 2024 CTFL season, as teams must both cut weak links and draft new talent. Roster changes are bound to have profound impacts on each of the four teams’ performances, but returning athletes will dictate the outcome of the season.

New World Athletics has selected ten athletes that look promising ahead of this season. Some are big names that performed well in the 2023 season, and some flew under the radar but are capable of making waves in their disciplines.

Here is New World Athletics Ones to Watch:

Simon Bérubé

Returning for his second year in the league, Bérubé is looking to dominate in the competitive men’s 1500m. A member of the bears, the 26-year-old will hope to take as many points as possible to push his team to a CTFL Championship.

Narrowly defeated

Last season, Bérubé was involved in one of the most exciting races of the year at the Royal City Inferno Track and Field Festival in Guelph, Ont. Coming around the final corner, he and Huskies athlete Alec Purnell made a late push into the lead, but they were unable to break free from one another, running side-by-side. The race looked like a tie to the naked eye, but Purnell was clocked at 3:42.74 and Bérubé 3:42.75.

Purnell’s time remained the fastest preliminary mark of the season, and Bérubé’s was second. After recording the best free mark in the discipline (3:43.74) one month later, Bérubé would’ve been kicking his heels as just one-tenth of a second would’ve secured him a sweep of the division in the regular season.

Bérubé did not compete at the championship, finishing the season with 45 points, tied for second-most in the discipline.

Next season

Bérubé has proven himself as a threat in the division, despite missing out on the championship race. 

Next season, Bérubé will look to improve on the 3:42.75 time that was his personal best, and pick up more points for his Bears. Only 5 more points can be won during the regular season, but his participation in the CTFL championship could yield up to 25 more points.

Many may have overlooked Bérubé after his 45 point season, but this year, expect big things. A full season and a slight improvement on his mark could see him in contention for Bears MVP.