Macrozonaris sprints into football

It was at this camp, held by the University of Montreal and Laval University, where Macrozonaris, one of Quebec's best-known athletes, took a shot at showing experts that he could play football.

The Chomedey runner caused quite a stir, dominating all participants in the 40 m sprint on the soccer field which is part of the Canadiens new training complex in south-shore Brossard, reaching the finish line in just 4.26 seconds, breaking the previous record of 4.41 seconds.

"I surprised my coach, Marc Toussaint, with the remarkable run. He was the one who convinced me to try out. I only did this particular test," specified the speed merchant, who added he had run a 4.19 in the 40 m on a track just recently. "But at the camp I ran on field-turf," the 28-year-old Olympian pointed out.

Macrozonaris has never played organized football, but did try friendly flag football last year. "I was dominant." His speed could make him an effective kick return specialist, but does he really have the body for football? "I'll train to increase my muscular mass. I'll follow advice from Danny Desriveaux and Etienne Boulay," he said, in reference to these two players and friends currently on the roster of the CFL's Alouettes. In the meantime he wants to concentrate on track, contemplating a return to Olympic competition at the 2012 London Games.