Jessica Smith, a member of Abbotsford's Valley Royals track and field club, warmed up for the London Olympics with a second-place finish in the 800 metres at the Toronto International meet last week.
Smith got off to a poor start and found herself in last place at the cut-in point after the first 100 metres, but made an excellent recovery. She clocked a time of 2:01.83, just an eyelash behind fellow Olympian Melissa Bishop of Toronto (2:01.68).
Smith, a North Vancouver native, is one of two Royals athletes who will compete at the Olympics, the other being high jumper Mike Mason.
MARSHALL OUTSTANDING FOR TEAM CANADA
Steve Marshall of Abbotsford helped the Canadian 'B' men's volleyball team to a sixth-place finish at the Pan Am Cup in the Dominican Republic last week.
Canada lost to Mexico 3-2 in the fifth-sixth placing game, and Marshall was among the team's stat leaders 15 points, including 12 kills, two blocks and a service ace.
Marshall, a CIS national champion with the Trinity Western Spartans last season, finished the tourney with 40 kills, 10 blocks and two aces in 16 sets.
TIME FOR TENNIS
Local tennis players are invited to participate in singles and doubles tennis leagues, which begin play in September.
The leagues offer an opportunity to play the sport at one’s own skill level. Players or teams will play at least six matches on local courts.
Registration deadline is August 15. For information, visit www.bctennisleagues.50megs.com.