WINDSOR – The throwing circle held the fate of the Pronghorns at the 2025 U SPORTS Track and Field Championships, and the Horns came to compete. Hosted by the University of Windsor, the weekend was packed with fierce competition, high stakes and unforgettable moments. For one athlete in particular, this championship had extra significance: Jinaye Shomachuk, making a highly anticipated return to competition after not competing the previous season, was determined to prove that the best was yet to come.
Shomachuk wasted no time asserting dominance in the Women's Weight Throw. After a year away from competition, the drive to return to the top was clear from the first throw. The event quickly turned into a nail-biting battle for first place. On the final attempt, Shomachuk launched a powerful 19.23m toss, putting in the lead as the final competitors prepared for their last throws. The tension was palpable when Windsor's Jordana Badley-Castello entered the circle. With a final throw of 19.45m, Badley-Castello edged out Shomachuk by just 22 centimeters to capture the gold.
Though the silver medal was a tough result, it was a remarkable achievement, especially after being away from the competition scene. The performance was a clear statement of resilience, proving that Shomachuk remained one of the top athletes in the country.
Alongside Shomachuk, Pronghorn Lauryn Morris also competed in the Weight Throw, finishing 12th with a solid 14.13m toss. While Morris didn't make it to the top ranks, the effort added to the team's strength, highlighting the Pronghorns' depth and overall talent.
After an exhilarating silver in the Weight Throw, Shomachuk returned to the circle on Day 2 for the Women's Shot Put, hoping to challenge for another medal. The competition was equally fierce, but Shomachuk threw a solid 13.32m. Despite the strong effort, it wasn't quite enough for a podium finish, with Shomachuk landing in 4th place—just shy of the bronze.
Though it was another near-miss, the performances across both events showcased the determination and skill that marked Shomachuk's return to competition. The silver in the Weight Throw was a testament to the incredible comeback, proving that Shomachuk had not lost any of the form that led to capturing the title in 2023.
While Shomachuk's standout performances were a highlight of the weekend, the Pronghorns team demonstrated their strength at the U SPORTS Championships. As the championships concluded, the team walked away with pride, knowing they had given their all and with a promising future ahead.
