University of Toronto Varsity Blues decathlon specialist Rostam Turner earned bronze Wednesday afternoon (July 26) at the 2017 Francophone Games in Ivory Coast.

The reigning Varsity Blues T-Holders' male athlete of the year, Turner finished the 10-event showcase with 7235 points, behind silver medalist Ruben Gado of France (7839) and fellow Canadian Taylor Stewart (7852).

"We are extremely proud of the way Rostam competed at this event," said Varsity Blues track and field head coach Carl Georgevski. "He's put in so much work and his competitive spirit and character shined throughout this entire competition."

Sitting in fourth place after the first day of events, Turner lifted himself to the third step on the podium with strong second day results in both throwing events and the 1500m. The Kelowna, B.C., native finished first in discus (44.75m), second in javelin throw (55.58m), shotput (13.44m), 400m (50.50), and 1500m (4:37.54), third in 100m (11.22), fourth in pole vault (4,40m), and sixth in high jump (1.88m), long jump (6.36m), and 110m hurdles (16.17).  

Also competing at the Francophone Games was Varsity Blues veteran sprinter Rayshaun Franklin. The Human Geography and Political Science major finished seventh in the men's 400m posting a time of 48.70 in the finals.

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