Mark Lynch

Mark Lynch was born in 1968 and grew up in the Leduc area. He loved sports and played with Leduc Minor Hockey for several years. He and his sister, Vicky, were both noted for their athletic abilities, and they joined the Leduc Track Club in 1980.

In July 1981, at the Legion Track Competition, Mark was still a bantam-aged athlete but almost qualified for the provincial team in the midget category. In each of the next two years, he not only qualified, but won numerous medals at the national competition. In February 1983 at the age of 15, Mark set an astounding record: competing in the Indoor Provincial Track and Field Championships at the Kinsmen Field House in Edmonton, he earned gold in the 50 metres, 200 metres, 400 metres, 800 metres, 1500 metres, 3000 metres and the long jump. Over the next two years, Mark set four provincial indoor records and two provincial outdoor records that have still not been broken.

Mark received a scholarship from the University of Idaho, but after one year he chose to stay in Canada where he married and had two children. He loved hiking, fishing and hunting. In 2004 at the age of 35 he passed away due to an unexpected illness. Many athletes who previously competed against Mark still remember him not only for his exceptional abilities but also his modesty and kindness. His family and friends are very proud of his accomplishments and remember him as a loving son, brother, husband, father and friend.