LopesSchliep’s first win as a mom

Priscilla Lopes-Schliep’s final tune-up before the Canadian Olympic trials proved to be a memorable one, as her time of 12.76 took top spot at the Donovan Bailey Invitational at Foote Field.

For Lopes-Schliep, who’s less than a year removed from giving birth to her daughter, Nataliya, Saturday’s win was a mental boost for the 2008 Olympic bronze medallist in her final competitive race before the trials June 27-30 at Calgary. It was also her first victory as a mom.

“It definitely felt good to come out and win today on Canadian soil, my first win since being a mom, so it’s means a lot to me to do it here on Canadian soil,” Lopes-Schliep said.

“I know they’re cheering me on. My parents and my husband and everybody has the computer going and watching the events, so I know my phone has a few messages and ‘Go Mommy’ pictures on it.”

The win didn’t come easily for Lopes-Schliep in a deep field consisting of Canadians Nikkita Holder, Phylicia George, Perdita Felicien and Angela Whyte — all of whom will be vying for one of three berths to London.

Whyte finished third behind American Nia Ali and Lopes-Schliep with a time of 12.83, a seasonal best for the Edmonton product.

Felicien, who trains in Calgary, finished sixth with a time of 12.94, but her sights remain firmly planted on London despite not having run a sub12.90 this season.

“I’m really excited, I’m really looking forward to it,” Felicien said about the Olympics. “Obviously, you have to go through the gauntlet, which is the trials, so my focus is on getting through nationals first and then going to London with the aim of winning a medal.”