The women’s 5000m is a close and exclusive duel between two Arctics and two Spitfires. 

Spitfires’ runner Olivia Roussel, who’s preliminary mark of 16.49.80 was only just overtaken by Arctics’ own Jadyn Keeler’s who muscled out a strong performance at the June 12 Twilight Meet in Ottawa.

Roussel earned her preliminary best in a crowded and highly competitive race at the Bob Vigars classic in London, Ontario. Keeler, in contrast, ran this season’s fastest time of 16:42.32 in a heat with no other CTFL runners. Translation: Keeler’s achieved her best on her own.

Does this mean anything? There’s no telling for sure, but these two talented runners will be racing close together at the final. Keeler’s solo performance may be a sign she’s got more to give, with the pressure of an opponent like Roussel matching her step. It could also mean Roussel races better in a competitive situation. Either way, a head-to-head matchup at the championship will provide the answer.

Behind Roussel, the second Spitfire in Ashley Maguire occupies third place in the standings with a clean preliminary mark of 17:00.80. Not too far behind her, Arctics’ Paige Breedon sits in fourth with her preliminary time of 17:21.40. 

All four competitors so far this season are in reach of changing their fate in the final and drastically swaying the point total for their team. For reference, Keeler and Breedon currently combine for a total of 63 points for the Arctics and Roussel and Maguire have put together just 36 for the Spitfires. However, only Keeler has submitted a free mark as of now, and there is still ample time for the others to pick up some easy points before the final.

As the competition returns to Ottawa for the much-anticipated final, Keeler will look to recreate her personal best performance on the same track where she achieved it. 

Keeler and Roussel have not yet raced head-to-head this season, both opting to dominate the field separately so far. Their first meeting will decide who takes home the gold in the women’s 5000m distance.