Courtesy St. Michael's College School
Profile on Justyn Knight '14
Posted: January 6, 2016
Justyn Knight ’14 was first identified in Mr. Chittle's Grade 10 Physical Education class at St. Michael's College School, during the 5km run training. Justyn was already a well-rounded athlete, excelling in basketball and volleyball at St. Michael's. Late in the spring of his Grade 10 year, Justyn decided to join the track team, at the recommendation of his Phys Ed. teacher. His rise to the top of the provincial distance running ranks was rapid. By the end of his Grade 11 year, Justyn was among the elite junior runners in the country. His dedication and full commitment to follow his training programme, combined with enormous natural talent, soon saw him become the first St. Michael's athlete to win the OFSAA Senior Boys Individual Cross Country Championship. His success continued in the spring; where he went on to win the 1500m and 3000m events at the OFSAA track championships in his Grade 12 year, as well as the National Junior Cross Country title. He later added to his medal collection as the National Junior 5000m Champion; all accomplished after only two full years of distance running.
In 2014, Justyn received a full scholarship to Syracuse University where he joined the Orangemen, helping them to establish one of the top contending teams in the NCAA. In his freshmen year, the team finished with an outstanding 5th overall at the NCAA's. Although Justyn had an outstanding year, a disappointing finish at the Nationals would prove to be the learning experience that would serve him well the following year. In his sophomore year Justyn continued to improve, leading his team to several meet victories, and culminating in an unbelievable 4th place finish individually at the NCAA championships, and a National championship for Syracuse, their first in over 60 years. During his ascent up the national distance running rankings in Canada, Justyn has established two new Canadian junior records. He became the first Canadian junior to break the four minute barrier in the mile indoors, and later he shattered the oldest record on the Canadian books, as he toppled Bruce Kidds 1962 junior record in the 5000m by several seconds.
It is unclear as to how far this highly gifted athlete will take his running prowess. Needless to say the future looks extremely bright for the talented young St. Mike's alumnus.
“Justyn Knight’s exceptional athleticism is undeniable, but to those who know him, his warmth of personality remains his greatest asset.”
- St. Michael’s Varsity Cross Country Coach, Frank Bergin
In 2014, Justyn received a full scholarship to Syracuse University where he joined the Orangemen, helping them to establish one of the top contending teams in the NCAA. In his freshmen year, the team finished with an outstanding 5th overall at the NCAA's. Although Justyn had an outstanding year, a disappointing finish at the Nationals would prove to be the learning experience that would serve him well the following year. In his sophomore year Justyn continued to improve, leading his team to several meet victories, and culminating in an unbelievable 4th place finish individually at the NCAA championships, and a National championship for Syracuse, their first in over 60 years. During his ascent up the national distance running rankings in Canada, Justyn has established two new Canadian junior records. He became the first Canadian junior to break the four minute barrier in the mile indoors, and later he shattered the oldest record on the Canadian books, as he toppled Bruce Kidds 1962 junior record in the 5000m by several seconds.
It is unclear as to how far this highly gifted athlete will take his running prowess. Needless to say the future looks extremely bright for the talented young St. Mike's alumnus.
“Justyn Knight’s exceptional athleticism is undeniable, but to those who know him, his warmth of personality remains his greatest asset.”
- St. Michael’s Varsity Cross Country Coach, Frank Bergin
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