THEN AND NOW
The London Western Track and Field Club was established in 1970 by Bob Vigars with the purpose of creating a training environment for his UWO athletes during the summer, and secondarily, to attract top high school athletes who would then compete for UWO. By 1975 the club was well established and since then, the club has consistently been a leading organization in the sport of track and field, not only in Ontario, but across the country. We were the Top Ontario Club (Indoors and Outdoors) in 2019 and 2023 after claiming the outdoor title in 2016, and our Senior Men’s Cross Country team were the 2019 and 2022 Canadian champions. In 2021, we were once again the Ontario Outdoor Club Champions, as well as in 2022 and 2023...our 4th consecutive title!
As a not-for-profit organization (Incorporated in 1975) and a full-service track and field club, we cater to all ages and abilities, including para-athletes, and across all event disciplines within the sport. Our Board of Directors ensures that club policies and procedures are carried out for the full benefit of all members. As well, the employment of a manager keeps our club operations running smoothly.
The club celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2020, and over the years, our accolades have come from our many Olympians, such as Sharon Lane (1980), Jeff Glass (1984), Sue Kameli (1984), Jason Tunks (1996, 2000, 2004), Jessica Zelinka (2008 and 2012), Lanni Marchant (2016), and Damian Warner (2012, 2016—Bronze medal, and 2020--Gold medal and OR), as well as Paralympian Kevin Strybosch (2016). But the future depends on the success of our young athletes and thus the focus is on the nurturing and development of these up-and-comers as they aspire to follow in the footsteps of those before them.
The mission of the LWTFC is to attract, train, and develop athletes and coaches, who want to reach their full potential. Through excellent coaching, strong leadership, a fun training environment, and a committed volunteer base our goal is to provide a sustainable club for our members. In doing so, we aim to build a future as bright as our first 50 years.
Our club provides training year-round. Most of our athletes train a minimum of 3 days per week - Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays (not including JD), while our elites are training up to 6 days per week. We are London's ONLY full-service track and field club, meaning we have a full coaching staff to cater to all event disciplines within the sport. During the fall, our training groups are spread out in various parks to meet the needs of each of those groups. In early November, we head indoors to train at Thompson Arena (yes, there is a track around the rink). After a brief break during the latter half of March, we head back outdoors to train at TD Stadium. Outdoor season ends at the beginning of August and this is where the majority of our club takes a break until September, and the cycle continues.
There are plenty of competitve opportunities available both indoors and outdoors - locally, regionally and nationally.
WHAT WE OFFER
