Jonathan Podbielski and Coach Sabrina Nettey headed to Germany for Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU summer games

Jonathan Podbielski, a long-distance runner for the University of Regina men's track & field team, and head coach Sabrina Nettey will both join Team Canada at the 2025 FISU summer games in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany.

Podbielski will compete in his signature event, the 1500-metre, where he is the two-time reigning Canada West champion and was a bronze medalist at the 2024 U SPORTS Championships.

Nettey was selected to help coach jumps. She was named the Cougars track & field head coach in May of 2023, after winning the Canada West Assistant Track & Field Coach of the Year. She continues to hold the Canada West long jump record of 6.32 metres, which she recorded in 2014 with Trinity Western.

Podbielski qualified because he had one of the two fastest times in the country, but he was initially unsure if he was going to compete.

"To be honest, when I first learned that I'd been selected, I didn't feel much emotion, as I hadn't yet decided whether to accept the roster spot," said Podbielski.

However, he had been close to competing for Canada twice before – including missing out by 0.08 seconds in the 800m in 2023 – and felt like this was an opportunity he couldn't pass up.
"I am extremely proud of how I was able to turn a terrible disappointment into one of my most incredible achievements," said Podbielski.

Once he decided he was competing, he adjusted his training, looking to improve on his time any way he could.

"I've competed in various meets across Canada – including Guelph and Burnaby – and have improved my times by five seconds compared to last year," said Podbielski.

"I'm faster than ever and ready to showcase my hard work on the international stage."

The games will take place from July 16^th to July 27^th, with the 1500m semi-final set for 9:40 AM CST on July 22^nd. The final will take place on July 24^th at 1:05 PM CST.

The games will be streamed at fisu.tv