Canadian sprinter Jacqueline Madogo didn’t always think she’d become an elite track and field athlete. She only began training competitively for sprinting at the age of 19, after two years of focusing on her collegiate soccer career. Five years later, at 24, Madogo will represent Canada at the Paris Olympics in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay events, starting Friday.
Madogo says her soccer background helped her grow as an athlete, and as person; the process of winning or losing with her teammates instilled in her the importance of teamwork in sports. Although different from soccer, the team aspect of track and field is pivotal for pushing and uplifting one another in training and competition. “I’m a huge team player,” Madogo says. “I will do anything to better the group, which sometimes doesn’t play in my favour.”
Introduction to track
When the soccer coach at the University of Guelph discovered that Madogo had medalled at OFSAA for the 100m, he brought in Jason Kerr, the school’s current head track coach, to be part of her recruitment tour. She planned to do track after the soccer season in the fall, but an ankle injury forced her to skip the 2018-19 track season. The following year, Kerr initially changed his mind about having her join the team. “He told me he already had a very talented women’s roster and I should just focus on soccer,” Madogo reveals. “He ended up giving me a shot, and it’s been a great ride ever since.” The pair often look back on this and laugh.
Madogo decided to stick with track, which presented more opportunities for development. She realized she had reached her ceiling with soccer, and wanted to try something new. The sprinter went on to win back-to-back 60m U Sports titles in 2022 and 2023, and followed her collegiate career by winning gold in the 200m at the 2023 Canadian National Championships. In July, she was named to the Team Canada roster headed to the Paris Olympics.
Relying on her support system
Growing up in Ottawa, family played a huge role in Madogo’s upbringing. “I don’t know think I would be where I am today without my parents or siblings,” she says. “They are truly the people that hold me together.” Her family may not be track experts, but they show unwavering support, no matter the performance. “They’re just always happy to be there and cheer as loud as they can,” says Madogo. She notes that this core support system is one of the key elements of her success.
Madogo’s parents moved to Canada from Congo with no family or friends. “They started a new life in a foreign country because they were thinking about our future.” Madogo says. “They wanted to ensure that my siblings and I would get good education and grow up in a safe environment.” Their hard work continues to be a source of motivation for the sprinter.
When asked when she knew that the Olympics were within reach, Madogo admits that she didn’t truly start believing she was actually a good athlete until her win at nationals in 2023. “I think a lot of people saw this coming before I even did,” she says. “That moment needed to happen for me to realize I can dream big.” The process to get to this stage involved a focus on discipline and intention at each training session. Madogo believes the people around her have the same vision, making it easier to stay the course.
Making her Olympic debut
With her Olympic debut less than a day away, Madogo spent the last week getting into race mode at Team Canada’s training camp in Sant Cugat del Vallès, a town just outside Barcelona, Spain. The beautiful weather and atmosphere at the camp were exactly what she needed. “I get to train alongside some of the most elite athletes in the country and even the world.” she says. “It really helps being in that type of environment because everyone is so committed to be the best at their craft, which encourages me to up my game.”
Now, Madogo has settled into her dorm at the Olympic village with her Royal City Athletics Club teammate and training partner Zoë Sherar. “I am feeling fit, excited and ready to race. All the preparation has been done, I’m in the best shape of my life and I’m ready to compete amongst the best female sprinters in the world,” the 24-year-old says.
The prelims for the women’s 100m will take place Friday Aug. 2 at 5:50 am E.T. Here’s a look at the rest of her busy Olympic schedule:
Aug. 2: 100m heats–5:50 a.m. ET
Aug. 3: 100m semi-final–1:50 p.m. ET* and 100m final–3:20 p.m. ET*
Aug. 4: 200m heats–4:55 a.m. ET
Aug. 5: 200m repechage–6:50 a.m. ET* and 200m semi-final–2:45 p.m. ET*
Aug. 6: 200m final–3:40 p.m. ET*
Aug. 8: 4×100 relay heats–5:10 a.m. ET
Aug. 9: 4×100 relay final–1:30 p.m. ET*
*Subject to qualification
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Athletics events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games are taking place from Aug. 1-11. Today’s coverage is brought to you by Canadian Running and New Balance Canada. Follow us on Twitter on Instagram for all things Team Canada and up-to-date exclusive news and content.
