Canadian hurdler Savannah Sutherland caught the attention of coach Steven Rajewsky during her impressive performance at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Sutherland, at 21 years old, finished seventh in the women’s 400-meter event, competing against elite hurdlers like Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Femke Bol. Her Olympic experience, which also included a sixth-place finish in the women’s 4×400 relay, set her up for success in her senior year at the University of Michigan.
Now 22, Sutherland is in the running for The Bowerman, a prestigious award in U.S. collegiate track and field. She faces tough competition from Kenyan athletes Pamela Kosgei and Doris Lemngole for the accolade named after Bill Bowerman, the renowned Oregon track and field coach and Nike co-founder. The winners of the award will be announced at the United States Track & Field and Cross-Country Coaches Association convention in Grapevine, Texas.
Sutherland’s nomination for The Bowerman makes her the first Canadian female athlete from the Big 10 conference and the University of Michigan Wolverines program to achieve this honor. The talented athlete is vying for the top spot after an exceptional year in athletics, showcasing her versatility in various track events. Canadian athletes like Camryn Rogers and Derek Drouin have previously been finalists for The Bowerman, highlighting the esteemed recognition in the track and field community.