Canadian middle-distance superstar Melissa Bishop is set to race in the 800m event on Sunday, June 19 at the Victoria International Track Classic. Bishop, the current 800m national record holder, says the event will be her final competitive race before the Olympic trials in July.
Bishop, 27, has dominated on the west coast in recent years, setting the Victoria Track Classic 800m record in 2014 with a time of 1:59.70, while becoming a fan favourite.
“The races are always set up well, competitive fields and great rabbits,” said Bishop about the Victoria Track Classic. “The hospitality is top notch and it’s high performance racing in Canada. I feel at home when I race in Canada on the west coast.”
The Eganville, ON., native is coming off the best year of her career. She won the silver medal at the 2015 World Athletics Championship in Beijing while simultaneously setting the Canadian women’s national record with a time of 1:57.52. However, the former University of Windsor star isn’t getting caught up in her own success.
“Nothing has changed all that much,” said Bishop. “My personal life hasn’t changed and neither has my athletic career. We’re still working very hard.”
Bishop will represent Canada this summer at the 2016 Olympics in Rio and all signs point to another strong performance. With all of her recent success, Bishop knows the pressure will be on her to reach the podium.
“My goals are to get to that (800m) final and compete at my very best,” said Bishop. “Be the best version of the athlete I know I can be.”