Panthers on the prowl: UPEI’s Peterside and Ikpotokin chase U SPORTS greatness

By Thomas Becker

Two UPEI Panthers. Two AUS champions. One shot at national glory.

With the 2025 Biosteel U SPORTS Track & Field Championships set to take place this weekend (March 6-8) in Windsor, Ontario, UPEI's Alaere Peterside and Helena Ikpotokin are ready to showcase their talents on the national stage.

Both athletes punched their tickets to the championship by winning gold at the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) Championships last weekend. Peterside claimed the high jump title with a 1.71m leap, while Ikpotokin dominated the 300-metres dash with a time of 39.83 seconds.

Peterside already qualified for nationals earlier in the season with a 1.72m jump, a mark that ties her for third in the country. The fourth-year high jumper has been a force in AUS competition and is eager to take her performance to the next level.

"Every ounce of effort I've poured into my technique, stamina, and strength this season will be on full display for the nation to witness," said Peterside. "Every jump is another opportunity to better myself and all I can ask is for my next jump to be higher than my last." 

Jumping coach Nelson Kwok has high praise for her growth and performance.

"Alaere dominated AUS high jump last year and has only improved since. She's hit the U SPORTS national standard three times this season and sits third in the country," Kwok said. "The competition is incredibly tight, with just six centimetres separating the top-13 athletes. It's anyone's guess who takes home a medal, but we know Alaere will give it her best." 

On the track, Ikpotokin has been building toward this moment all season, and her gold medal performance at AUS has given her even more confidence. Her 39.83 time ranks 22nd nationally, but she has her sights set on something greater.

"This season has been building up to something special, and I'm determined to make my first U SPORTS championship one to remember," Ikpotokin said. "That 27-year-old provincial record of 39.53 seconds has been on my radar all season. Knowing that my coaches, family, and teammates are behind me gives me the confidence to perform at my very best."

Associate head coach Damon MacDonald believes she's peaking at the perfect time. 

"She's very detail-oriented, and her preparation has her in the best shape possible. She hasn't been tested in a 300-metres race at this level yet, but she has a history of rising to the occasion," MacDonald said. "The goal is to qualify for the final and run a personal best. Once you're in the final, anything can happen."

With the championship fast approaching, both Peterside and Ikpotokin are primed for their biggest challenges yet. As they step onto the national stage, they do so knowing they carry the pride of UPEI with them.

Schedule:

Friday, March 7 

• 6:55 p.m. AST – Women's 300m Prelims
• 8:55 p.m. AST – Women's 300m Final (if qualified)

Saturday, March 8

• 3:30 p.m. AST – Women's High Jump

Fans can watch the events live on CBC Gem or follow along at https://live.windsortiming.com/meets/44613.