Adrian Woodley

Photo Credit: Claus Andersen

Born in Montreal, Quebec, and raised in Whitby after he and his family relocated to Ontario in 1988, Adrian Woodley embarked on his illustrious track and field career when he joined the Durham XL Track Club in 1990. Durham XL was recognized for developing talented athletes, and if Adrian wanted to fulfill his potential, he would need to prove himself within this highly skilled group. He did so by quickly establishing a dedicated, diligent, and respected work ethic that would lead to considerable success from the local level to the international stage.

Recognized by his coaches, teammates, and competitors alike to be an excellent sprinter who specialized in the 110-meter hurdles, Adrian soon became a force on the track as well as an inspiration and role model to those who would follow in his footsteps. As a member of the Anderson Collegiate Vocational Institute’s track and field team from 1991 to 1995, Adrian was a six-time Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) champion, winning three titles each in 110-meter hurdles and triple-jump. His success at the provincial secondary school level coincided with his 1994 Canadian Junior championship in 110-meter hurdles, and subsequently led to a track and field scholarship at Syracuse University.

Adrian continued to excel during his collegiate career at Syracuse from 1996 to 2000. He was a two-time Big East Conference Indoor Champion in the 60-meter hurdles (1999 and 2000), the Big East Conference Indoor Champion in the 200 meters (2000), the Big East Conference Outdoor Champion in the 110-meter hurdles and the 200 meters (2000) and was recognized as a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) All-American in 1999 and 2000. Adrian also received the Big East Conference Most Outstanding Male Track Performer Award in 2000.

On a national level, Adrian was a four-time Canadian champion in the 110-meter hurdles; in addition to winning his national Junior title in 1994, Adrian dominated the competition in the Senior division by winning three consecutive championships from 1999 to 2001.

Over and above his success at the various high school, collegiate, and national competitions, Adrian also represented Canada on several occasions, including:

• 1993 Pan American Junior Track and Field Championships
• 1994 World Junior Track and Field Championships (Portugal)
• 1994 Commonwealth Games (Victoria, British Columbia)
• 1999 Pan American Games (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
• 1999 World Track and Field Championships (Spain)
• 2000 Summer Olympic Games (Sydney, Australia)
• 2001 World Indoor Track and Field Championships (Portugal)

Adrian currently resides in Toronto with his wife Lami, and their children, Xavier and Serena. He continues to give back to the sport he loves as a volunteer coach whenever his schedule permits, and often mentors aspiring athletes by providing direction based on his experiences.