Medical students sprint to history at national championships
By Emily Leighton
Aaron Thompson and Josh Duckman crossed the finish line so close, the difference barely registered on the race clock.
The medical students captured first and second place, respectively, in the men’s 300-metre race at the 2025 U SPORTS national track and field championship this month, separated by mere milliseconds.
“Sharing the podium with Josh was a highlight of the competition,” said Thompson, Medicine Class of 2027. “He’s one of my closest friends, my training partner and my roommate, so doing this together was unreal.”
The sprinters also picked up a gold medal in the men’s 4 x 200-metre relay, as well as the national team title – part of a history-making performance by the Western Mustangs.
Road to the podium
The duo first met two years ago as competitors – Thompson was pursuing a master’s degree in kinesiology at the University of Waterloo, while Duckman was completing the Bachelor of Medical Sciences program at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry.
Duckman, BMSc’24, Medicine Class of 2028, remembers their first encounter well – a grueling 300-metre race in which he suffered a hamstring injury.
Josh Duckman and Aaron Thompson celebrate a history-making performance for the Western Mustangs in Windsor, Ont. (supplied)
“We’ve always been supportive of one another,” he said. “We connected right away over medical school. Aaron was a huge help with my application and interview prep.”
Thompson only started running as a varsity track athlete during his master’s program, a late but commanding arrival to the sport. After being accepted to the School’s Doctor of Medicine program, he joined the Mustangs for his second varsity season.
“I told myself I’d try it for one year,” he said with a laugh. “I fell in love with the sport, but it’s the people who keep me going. To be surrounded by teammates and coaches who inspire me every day is such a blessing.”
After ending last season with a major leg injury, Thompson was determined to make a comeback – one he accomplished both on and off the track.
This year, he received community awards from U SPORTS and Ontario University Athletics (OUA) for his leadership in mental health and wellness and his work coaching junior athletes.
“It means more than any individual gold medal,” he said. “I do these things because they inspire me to be the best version of myself and to pass something on to future generations.”
Final strides
Bleed purple. Bleed white. Western Mustangs start the fight.
Western Mustangs fight, fight, fight.
The Mustangs’ team cheer echoed loudly throughout the stadium at the close of the three-day competition in Windsor, Ont. – a celebration that was years in the making.
“It was really emotional,” said Duckman. “Everyone was in awe of what we had accomplished and grateful for the whole season.”
The victory wasn’t just about the final numbers; it was the culmination of discipline, teamwork and resilience – lessons that extend beyond the track for the medical students.
“We learn how to push ourselves, work together under pressure and keep going when things get tough,” said Duckman. “These are skills that will make us better doctors.”
“I want aspiring students to know that if you have the desire to pursue medicine along with any other part of your life – be it sports, music, art or any passion – you can do it,” added Thompson. “I believed in myself to achieve this, and I believe in you too.”
