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At just 22 years old, Savannah Sutherland has emerged as a prominent figure in athletics, showcasing her talents on an international stage. Recently, she competed in the 2025 Summer Olympics in Paris, becoming the youngest Canadian woman to reach the finals in Olympic hurdles. This impressive performance solidified her status among the elite and prepared her for her senior year at the University of Michigan.
Under the mentorship of assistant coach Steven Rajewsky, Sutherland has focused on refining her skills and gaining the necessary experience to excel in her sport. Her recent accolades have positioned her as a strong contender for the Bowerman Award, which recognizes the top collegiate athletes in track and field.
Olympic experience and collegiate success
During the 2025 Olympics, Sutherland showcased her abilities in the women’s 400-meter hurdles, finishing in seventh place—a commendable feat in a race dominated by world-class athletes. The event was won by world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who clocked a time of 50.37 seconds. Sutherland’s time of 53.87 seconds placed her just 3.5 seconds behind, underscoring her potential to contend with the best.
A strong finish in the relay
In addition to her individual performance, Sutherland contributed to the Canadian team’s success in the 4×400 meter relay, helping secure a sixth-place finish. These experiences on the global stage have been invaluable as she transitions back to collegiate competition, bringing a wealth of knowledge and confidence into her final year at Michigan.
Trailblazing achievements
Sutherland’s nomination for the Bowerman Award is historic; she is the first Canadian female from the Big 10 Conference and the University of Michigan to achieve this honor. Rajewsky expressed pride in her accomplishments, emphasizing that she represents not only herself but also her hometown of Borden, Saskatchewan, and her home country of Canada.
Following a successful indoor season, Sutherland set a new Canadian and Wolverine record in the 400 meters during the NCAA Division 1 Championships. She also claimed her second consecutive Big 10 title and broke a program record in the 200 meters with a time of 23.26 seconds.
Record-breaking performances
Sutherland’s dominance in the 400 hurdles continued throughout the season, winning four out of five finals, including significant victories at the Edmonton Athletics Invitational and the Canadian Track and Field Championships. Her outstanding performance at the Tom Jones Memorial event in Gainesville, Florida, where she clocked a time of 53.46 seconds, ranked as the seventh-fastest in NCAA history.
Her crowning achievement came on June 14 when she recorded a Canadian record of 52.46 seconds in Eugene, Oregon, earning her second NCAA title. This remarkable performance marked her as the second-fastest in the world for the year and the ninth-fastest of all time in this event.
Looking ahead
As Sutherland transitions into professional athletics, Rajewsky remains optimistic about her future endeavors. Her preparation for the upcoming season includes competing in international events, such as the World Relays scheduled for May in Gaborone, Botswana, the Commonwealth Games in July in Glasgow, Scotland, and her debut in the Diamond League circuit in August.
With a degree in biology, health, and society already in hand, Sutherland is eager to cap off her 2025 season with additional victories. Her journey not only demonstrates her athletic prowess but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across Canada.