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:

David Adeleye

Record-breaking season

Last season was one to remember for Adeleye. The 22 year-old athlete dominated the 110m hurdles discipline, with first placed preliminary and championship marks, and a second placed free mark. His preliminary mark – a 13.92 at the Bob Vigars Classic in London, Ont. – was a personal best, the fourth fastest time by a Canadian in 2023, and a CTFL record. 

His three times saw him win 70 points for the Bears and a comfortable lead atop the discipline. Outside the league, Adeleye set a new personal best of 10.99 in the 100m on May 14, 2023.

Next season

Adeleye topped the standings and brought in big points and looks poised to do it again. His most formidable challenger – Arctic’s hurdler Craig Thorne, who ran an impressive 13.52 at the NCAC U23 Championships in San José, Costa Rica – will not be competing this coming season. Last season, Thorne’s time easily secured him a first placed free mark, but the athlete recorded no preliminary or championship mark, finishing the season with just 25 points. 

Without Thorne posing a serious threat to Adeleye’s spot at the top of the discipline, the hurdler looks ready to dominate. This indoor season, Adeleye has already progressed, recording a new personal best of 7.90 in the 60m hurdles. Already fast and still improving, fans can expect to hear about the athlete when the CTFL season resumes in May.