Surrey’s Jasneet Nijjar is not just an athlete with glorious sprinting times but also an inspiration to uncountable young South Asians in Canada & around the world. As the first South Asian female to represent Canada in track & field at the Olympics, her story is one of relentless determination and grit. DARPAN recently spoke to this 23-year-old trailblazer about her journey into athletics, experiences at the Olympics, and more.
Surrey’s Very Own
Following the footsteps of her older siblings, Jasneet began her sprinting journey at the tender age of seven. She soon started training at the Universal Athletics Club in North Surrey under coach Jessie Dosanjh. “I tried everything in track & field,” Jasneet recalls, “but sprinting excited me the most. I’ve always been very competitive. Even as a child, I wanted to win every race, whether it was against my brother or anyone else.”
Her natural talent became evident as she progressed in her athletic career and started competing at higher levels. In 2018, she brought home gold in the 200-meter category at the Canada Junior Track & Field Championships in Ottawa. That same year, she also won triple gold at the BC High School Track & Field Championships, a feat only two others have matched since the competition began.
Balancing Academics & Athletics
In 2019, she went on to major in kinesiology and psychology at Washington State University, a strategic move to better her career in athletics. “Washington State University has always been known for its competitive NCAA program; I knew it would push me to become a better athlete,” she says.
Her rigorous, consistent training in Pullman, Washington, bore fruit when she made it to Team Canada’s roster in the women’s 4x400 meter relay at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, undoubtedly a historic moment for her & the entire South Asian community in Canada.
Paris Olympics: A Dream Come True
Participating in the Paris Olympics is a huge feat for any sportsperson, but for Jasneet, it was beyond that—a moment to create history. “It was surreal when I found out I made the team. Being on the biggest stage with the most incredible athletes was an experience I will always remember,” she says.
And she does not plan to stop just here! Her eyes are set on the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, as she trains to compete in the individual 400-meter event. “This is just the beginning. I want to pursue the individual 400-metre in 2028, & I’m determined to make that happen,” she asserts. She is currently a member of the Washington State Cougars track team & looks forward to competing at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo next year.
A Role Model for the Next Generation
Besides all her athletic achievements, Jasneet’s greatest pride comes from her impact on the younger generation. “My biggest achievement is seeing all these young kids looking up to me,” she says with a heartwarming smile. “Being a role model, especially as a South Asian woman in sports, means a lot to me.”
Her message to the community, particularly young South Asians wanting to enter sports, is simple yet profound: “Take any opportunity that comes your way. Believe in yourself & chase your dreams. No dream is too small or too big.”
Beyond the Track
When she’s not on track, Jasneet enjoys the beautiful hikes of British Columbia, her favorites being the Stawamus Chief & the Grouse Grind, & immersing herself in books that motivate. Her recent pick is The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown, as she finds parallels in her own life as an athlete. For her, these moments of deep reflection & physical & mental balance are important to maintaining the strength she needs for high-level competitions.
Looking Ahead to a Bright Future
As Jasneet sprints towards setting new goals for herself, her journey is one that inspires everyone with a dream, not just athletes. She’s not just running for herself but blazing a trail for generations to come, proving that with hard work & determination, ain’t no mountain high enough!