Village of Borden, Sask., rallys around first-time Olympian Savannah Sutherland

When entering nan mini colony of Borden northwest of Saskatoon, drivers are now greeted by 2 roadside signs.

One welcomes group into nan organization while different celebrates first-time Olympian Savannah Sutherland, who has qualified for nan 2024 Paris Games arsenic portion of Canada’s way and section team.

“I had my first charismatic way and section meet nan week earlier nan Rio 2016 Olympics,” said Sutherland. “Eight years later, now I tin telephone myself an Olympian which is benignant of mind-boggling.”

Just weeks aft breaking nan Canadian grounds successful nan women’s 400m hurdles astatine nan NCAA nationalist championships pinch nan Michigan Wolverines, Sutherland will make her Olympic debut successful Paris successful August. It’s a long measurement from nan ungraded way astatine Borden School wherever she first discovered her emotion of running, surrounded by nan organization of 312 residents.

“I wouldn’t beryllium nan jock aliases nan personification that I americium coming without each azygous 1 of them, nan 300 aliases truthful of them,” said Sutherland. “I’m conscionable truthful thankful for their continual support. It helps maine get done nan days erstwhile it’s difficult to spell to nan track. I deliberation of group from location and they decidedly thief maine go.”

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While her visits to nan Sutherland family workplace are little predominant pinch her engaged way schedule, Savannah’s relationship to Borden still runs strong.

“To us, she’s ever conscionable going to beryllium Savannah Sutherland,” said Savannah’s mother Sonia. “Our daughter, our youngest child. She’s ever been a awesome person, truthful to adhd nan Olympian portion connected is conscionable amazing.”

Representing Saskatchewan successful Paris alongside Michelle Harrison and Anicka Newell, Sutherland will compete successful women’s 400m hurdles connected Aug. 4 pinch information 1 qualification.