Passing the torch: Former track star coaches record-breaking daughter

A former athlete living in Norman Wells is leading a brand-new team at the track and field competition in Hay River, N.W.T., this week, in part because he sees potential in his daughter.

Harry Cassie, originally of Trinidad, spent 15 years as an athlete when he was younger. Two years ago, he entered his daughter in a two kilometre race.

"I saw that she has some talent, so we decided to develop that."

Haley, 11, has been training ever since, running, swimming and even doing triathlons. She also runs for an hour each morning on a treadmill.

"Our living room has been converted to a gym," Harry says, with a treadmill, elliptical machine and a stationary bike. "My wife is not too pleased about that conversion."

Harry also set about building a team to attend this year's track and field event, held annually in Hay River. 

"We didn't have a track team, so I decided to put a team together. We made it happen."

It's paid off.

Haley ran the 1,000 metres and broke a record that had been standing since 2002. She did the same in the 800 metres.

In the 400 metres, she came just shy of another record win.

"She's having a wonderful meet," Harry says.

For Haley, the wins feel good. "It was hard though."

Now Harry is looking ahead to next year. He's hoping his daughter's success will inspire more young athletes to join the team.

"I'm looking forward to fielding a bigger team come 2017."