Athletics Ontario Running Podcast · John Shep

EP 216: Jadyn Keeler, CTFL Athlete - Scientific Precision + Athletic Grit = A Formula for Success

·29 min·1 clip

Last year I had a big breakout 5K, qualified for nationals, got Canadian records, won Pan Am gold.

Host John Shep interviews Jaden Keeler, a standout Canadian distance runner competing for the Arctics in the Canadian Track and Field League (CTFL). Jaden, now finishing her final semester at the University of North Dakota, recounts her journey from accidentally joining cross country in grade 4 to becoming an elite distance runner with Canadian records in both the 5K and 10K (age group), Junior Pan Am Games gold and silver medals, and NCAA all-American status. She discusses her unconventional recruitment process (self-directed emails to coaches), the adversity of having the entire UND coaching staff leave two weeks before her arrival, and her recovery into a breakthrough performance year. Notably, Jaden is a double/triple major (molecular and integrative biology, plus geography with geospatial technology emphasis) whose interdisciplinary approach mirrors her athletic multi-distance capability. The interview addresses NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) complexities for international athletes in the US collegiate system, highlighting that Canadian athletes cannot participate in NIL activities due to work visa restrictions. John and Jaden discuss long-term athletic planning (Commonwealth Games 2026, World Championships 2027, LA Olympics 2028) and the role models who inspire her trajectory (Noah Medved, Rory Linkletter). Jaden emphasizes consistency, coach-athlete fit, and injury prevention as foundational principles. The episode frames distance running as a long-term strategic endeavor requiring multi-year perspective and celebrates the emerging CTFL as a platform for domestic competition and talent development.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Athletics Ontario Running Podcast