New pictures taken during the Manchester '02 Commonwealth Games were added on the photo section. Enjoy!

Nicolas Macrozonaris smashed his personal best time today at the McGill University open track and field meet, running unchallenged and winning the 60 meter final in 6.56 seconds.

Two weeks ago he ran a time of 6.65 seconds on the same track, a meet record, bettering the time of 6.67 seconds that had been held by Bruny Surin.  Thunderous applause greeted him at the finish line today as fans realized they had just seen another breakthrough race from the 22 year old sprinter.

"In the blocks I kept thinking 6.58, I knew I had it in me," said Macrozonaris after the race.  "I stayed relaxed and focused and went for it.  I had a great start, very good acceleration.  There was a little tightness in the last ten meters but it's nothing serious." 

Daniel St-Hilaire, Macrozonaris's coach, says there is more to come.  "Every day I am discovering more and more of Nick's potential, it's like an exploration into the unknown.  Nick asked me if I thought he could go under 6.60 today, I didn't want to impose a limit on him so I didn't answer his question."

St-Hilaire continued, "We are focusing on instilling a capacity to tolerate high level training in him and for him to remain healthy.  This will help him achieve a new personal best outdoors next summer."  

Macrozonaris is hoping today's race will help open some doors this winter on the international indoor circuit.  "I am confident I can run sub 6.50 seconds" he says, "I felt really strong today and I know I can go faster."

Macrozonaris has been training like never before the last few months.  He credits St-Hilaire's daily supervision and coaching for his improved times, as well as the input of Dr. Andre Kulesza who has been providing strength and conditioning assistance.

Macrozonaris's prior personal best was 6.60 seconds, set this past February at the provincial championships.  In his heat today he ran a time of 6.89 seconds.

Full Results:

Nicolas Macrozonaris will return to the McGill University track on Saturday, December 14.

Macrozonaris will attempt to better his personal best of 6.60 seconds in the 60 meter race.  Two weeks ago he ran a time of 6.65 seconds on the same track, shutting it down with several meters to go.  He promises that will not be the case this Saturday!

Also making an appearance and lining up against Macrozonaris on Saturday in the 60 meter race will be Hank Palmer, who will be attempting to break his Canadian juvenile record of 6.81 seconds.