Cam Levins of Black Creek made no apologies for running with the big dogs early in the Olympic men’s marathon race Saturday. The Islander went out and stayed with the lead pack in the formative part of the race before fading to 72nd place.
It closed out the Island’s nearly 75-athlete involvement with Team Canada in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, which began with UVic Vikes rugby great and Langford-resident Nathan Hirayama co-carrying the Canadian flag in the opening ceremony more than two weeks ago.
“I went after it today,” said Levins, following the Olympic marathon, which was held in the northern city of Sapporo to escape Tokyo’s soaring temperatures and humidity.
“There are no regrets trying to go with the lead. I wanted to see if I could run with the best.”
It was a noble attempt and bold strategy, but one that did not last for the graduate of Courtenay’s G.P. Vanier Secondary, who holds the Canadian record of 2:09:25.
“It was not my day, but that happens,” said Levins, a two-time Olympian, who was finalist on the track in the 5,000 and 10,000 metres in the 2012 London Games.
“I really had a tough second half. My legs were charley-horsing all over,” added the former NCAA champion in the 5,000 and 10,000 metres, and 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games 10,000 metres bronze medallist.
“I’m just glad I made it through without hurting myself.”
Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya won gold in 2:08:38, Abdi Nageeye of the Netherlands the silver medal in 2:09.58 and Bashir Abdi of Belgium the bronze medal in 2:10:00. The Canadians were Ben Preisner 46th in 2:19:47, Trevor Hofbauer 48th in 2:19:57 and Levins across in 2:28:43.
cdheensaw@timescolonist.com
