Sibling rivalry enlivens Capital Cup decathlon
The brothers Thomsen offer intriguing takes when asked to describe the nature of their chosen sport of decathlon.
“It’s like taking a quick nap under a train,” said 19-year-old Ryan Thomsen, during a pause Monday between the shot put and high jump events during the under-20 Pan American combined events and Capital Cup competition at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility.
“It’s like being hit by a car,” his 17-year-old brother, Jordan, said.
They wouldn’t have it any other way.
Decathlon has allowed the dual citizens — Ryan was born in Calgary, Jordan in San Diego — to see the world while representing Canada internationally. Ryan will be wearing Canada’s colours in the under-20 competition at the Pan Am Games next month in Peru. Both are affiliated with the Ottawa Lions during competition this week.
“It’s a good opportunity to show Canada, to show that you deserve to go to that meet in Peru,” Ryan said. “It’s definitely a competition. I’m trying to win for Canada. It’s great to be here. It’s where the (national) pride is. We came in early to take part in the 150th-anniversary celebrations.”
Jordan, who just graduated from high school in California, is following in his brother’s footsteps — except in the 1,500-metre event, where big brother is chasing him.
“We actually did our first decathlon together,” Jordan said. “I was a freshman (in high school). I just thought it was super cool. All the competitors were super nice and a really cool group of guys and it was a lot of fun to do that many things.
“I played football and crosscountry in high school. I liked football, but I liked track the most. You don’t get to launch yourself in the air in football.”
The decathlon wraps up with the 110-metre hurdles, the 1,500 metres, discus and pole vault on Tuesday.
Wetness aside, the Thomsen brothers have embraced their extended stay in the city — “more rain here in two days than the whole year in San Diego,” Ryan said — hoping to finish strong on Tuesday.
“We’re having a lot of fun here,” Ryan said. “It’s a great meet. We’re trying to go one-two for Canada.”