Sunny day for discus champ at nationals

When it Rains, it pours.

At least that’s the way it seems when talking about future Canadian Olympic hopes in the world of discus.

Edmonton’s 18-year-old Gabrielle Rains set a Canadian Track and Field Championships record in the under-20 competition Friday — breaking her own mark — with a throw of 51.60 metres.

“Long term, like a lot of kids here, the Olympics are the ultimate goal,” said Rains, whose busy summer will now take her to Peru for the Pan-Am Under-20 competition, followed by the Canada Summer Games in Winnipeg.

“That’s always been kind of on the back burner, but every day, I think about building up for the Olympics.

“I know it’s far away, but I hope it’s something I can accomplish. I would like to become a professional thrower.”

Rains, whose career-high of 53.10 metres was set while she was at college — she attends Florida International in Miami — credited silver medallist Trinity Tutti (50.14 metres) and bronze medallist Grace Tennant (48.08 metres) for pushing her during Friday’s competition.

“I really enjoy throwing with them,” Rains said.

“They’re amazing girls.” — Ken Warren