Bishop-Nriagu, Kelly to compete in 800-metre heats in Tokyo Thursday night
An Olympic hero from the Ottawa Valley is set to appear at her third Olympic Games Thursday night, as Eganville’s Melissa Bishop-Nriagu will race in the women’s 800-metre event.
Parents Doug and Alison Bishop have been here before, having watched their daughter compete at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 games, but they say it never gets easier.
“Always nervous, and pretty excited at the same time, obviously,” says Doug Bishop, of watching his daughter compete at the Olympics. “But you’re always on the edge; what’s going to happen, we don’t know.”
Bishop-Nriagu, ranked 27th in the world, is set to race in Heat 3 Thursday night, which is slated to begin at 9:41 p.m. ET. Teammate and fellow Ottawa Valley Olympian Madeleine Kelly from Pembroke, ranked 50th in the world, will race in Heat 1 at 9:25 p.m. ET.
For Kelly, it will be her first Olympic Games. Kelly won bronze at the Canadian Olympic Trials to earn her spot in Tokyo.
“It's very exciting you know that we've worked so hard for this,” says Bishop-Nriagu. “2020 was tough; I mean we found out that the Olympics were cancelled and so we've all had to go back to the drawing board and figure out how we're going to train through this. And I think ultimately we've all come out of this stronger, fitter, faster, and mentally stronger too.”
Bishop-Nriagu is the pride of Eganville, Ontario, competing at her third Olympic Games, as well as winning gold at the Pan Am games in 2015, silver at the AAF World Championships in 2015, and holding the Canadian women’s 800-metre record at 1:57:01.
“Not only is she making her small town proud, she’s making it possible for any athlete from anywhere in Canada feel like they can accomplish something,” says her former running coach Andrew Page.
“It’s the most wonderful place to be, most wonderful place,” Alison Bishop says of the small town of Eganville. “Wonderful people, have been always behind her, from high school right through.”
Due to the pandemic, the Bishops could not travel to Tokyo to watch their daughter compete. In previous years, there have been watch parties hosted in town but Thursday evening the couple plan to spend the night quietly in front of their TV.
“That’s kind of the way we like it,” laughs Doug Bishop.
Page says he’ll do the same, trying to keep his nerve the entire time, and as Bishop-Nriagu’s former coach he says the way she attacks tonight’s race will be an interesting watch.
“In the races she’s been going out and leading the races from the front, and practicing that tactic,” explains Page. “So I don’t know what she’s going to do tonight. I’m guessing she’s going to go out and lead the race. I don’t know what she’s got in store, and I don’t know if her competitors know what she’s got in store for them.”
“Go for it girls,” says Alison Bishop, cheering on her daughter and Pembroke’s Kelly. “Enjoy the Olympics, and thank you to the community for all the support.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'My family doctor just fired me': Ontario patients frustrated with de-rostering
Dozens of Ontarians are expressing frustration in the province’s health-care system after their family doctors either dropped them as patients or threatened to after they sought urgent care elsewhere.
Solar storm puts on brilliant light show across the globe, but no serious problems reported
A powerful solar storm put on an amazing skyward light show across the globe overnight but has caused what appeared to be only minor disruptions to the electric power grid, communications and satellite positioning systems.
'It was violent': Police tear down U of A pro-Palestinian encampment Saturday morning
Multiple people at the protest camp torn down at the University of Alberta campus Saturday say police's actions against protesters were "violent" and "disproportionate."
Edibles, armchairs and adapters: Here are the recalls for this week
Health Canada announced various product recalls this week, including electric adapters, armchairs, cannabis edibles and vehicle components.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Mother's Day movies that pull at ALL the heartstrings
This Mother's Day Weekend, take a look at some of the most emotional movies inspired by moms.
Potentially toxic chemicals hide in our drinking water and countless household objects, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Suspect sought after fatal slashing in downtown Toronto
Police are searching for a suspect in a homicide investigation after a man was slashed in downtown Toronto on Sunday.
Atlanta Hawks win 2024 NBA Draft Lottery, secure No. 1 overall pick
The Atlanta Hawks won the NBA draft lottery on Sunday, landing the No. 1 pick and a potential cornerstone player in a year where there’s no clear-cut choice.