Fans rally in support of Lancer Olympian

About 200 people—former track teammates, coaches, professors, university officials, friends and family members—turned out at the St. Denis Centre on Friday to wish alumna Melissa Bishop (BHK 2010, B.Ed 2011) godspeed on the next leg of her journey to the London Olympics.

Bishop will compete in the 800 metre race after becoming just the third Canadian woman to beat the two-minute mark in the event.

Lancer track and field head coach Dennis Fairall said he was proud of Bishop, the first athlete he has personally coached to qualify for the Olympics in his 40-year career.

“Her performances this summer have been truly remarkable and her hard work and dedication have helped her to achieve her Olympic dream much faster than I could have imagined,” he said. “Melissa will make an outstanding ambassador for the Lancer track and field program. It will be an extremely proud moment to be on hand in London to share her Olympic dream.”

Saturday, Bishop flew to Germany for a pre-Olympic training camp with other members of Canada’s track team. She will march with her compatriots in the July 27 opening ceremonies and run in opening heat of the 800m on August 8.

Bishop hopes to share the adventure through her Web site, melissaontherun.com. Fans wishing to show their support may post a message to Bishop on this comment page, set up by the Alumni Association.

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