Bruny Surin was initially skeptical when he heard the news about McGill University’s decision to discontinue its historic track and field program after 125 years. The Olympic champion sprinter, known for his 4×100 gold medal at the 1996 Olympics, expressed his dismay along with other Canadian athletes following the announcement of the elimination of 25 sports teams by McGill.
The university cited reasons such as lack of facility space, budget constraints, and human resources for cutting sports teams including women’s rugby, men’s volleyball, and lacrosse at the end of the 2025-26 season. The decision was made after an internal audit and external review concluded that the current structure was unsustainable.
Surin, who is also the Chef de Mission for Team Canada at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, is actively seeking solutions to reverse McGill’s decision. He emphasized the importance of preserving the track and field program, which has a significant legacy of over a century at the university.
Other prominent Canadian athletes, like Andre De Grasse, a seven-time Olympic sprinting medalist, joined Surin in urging McGill to reconsider its stance. De Grasse highlighted the inclusive nature of track and field and its significance in the sports community.
Nicolas Macrozonaris, a two-time Olympian, expressed concern that the discontinuation of McGill’s track and field program could hinder the development of future athletes. He credited the university’s program and facilities for his own success in sprinting.
The decision to cut sports teams at McGill comes amidst financial difficulties faced by Quebec universities, including McGill’s challenges with declining international student enrollment. The university previously announced layoffs and projected significant revenue losses in the coming years due to government measures.
Despite the university’s decision, athletes and supporters are rallying to find ways to preserve the track and field program and ensure that future generations have access to the opportunities it provides.
