Jean-Simon Desgagnés followed his plan to perfection on Saturday and won the 3000m steeplechase at the Pan American Games in Santiago. At least, “99%”, he said with a smile after his victory, in reference to a fall he suffered in the water on the very last lap.
The Quebecer found himself among the leaders as soon as the starting gun was given in this event where he had placed eighth at the World Championships in Budapest in August.
He was in second place just behind the American Daniel Michalski. The two opponents quickly broke away from the other runners and a two-way fight took shape at the front of the race. As he had planned, Desgagnés accelerated with just under two laps to go. The American was unable to maintain the pace and let him escape.
The strategy was to open the machine at 500 or 600 m and not give anyone a chance. It was going really well, I was eating the obstacles and I was able to accelerate to take a good lead.
Jean-Simon Desgagnés
It was at this moment that the future gold medalist made his only misstep. He lost his footing and fell into the water before the final stretch. His considerable lead meant that he didn’t really have to worry about the pursuers.
“I surprised myself!” I got up super quickly and set off again, it’s part of the sport! As they say: it’s not how you fall, it’s how you get up! » added the athlete from Quebec, Canadian flag tied around his neck as a cape.
The Julio Martínez Prádanos National Stadium was crowded and very noisy on Saturday evening. When Desgagnés fell, the spectators stood up and encouraged him to continue his journey.
“It was an incredible atmosphere, I never thought I would see that in South America for athletics! It’s an exceptional experience, people are happy and appreciate athletics. I only get positive things from it,” underlined Jean-Simon Desgagnés, who recorded a time of 8 min 30 sec.14 sec.
“I’m happy to return home with the gold medal. That was the goal in coming here and it’s really good to have achieved it! »
Daniel Michalski crossed the finish line 6.33 seconds later, while Colombian Carlos Andrés San Martin finished third (+11.45 seconds).
This victory for Jean-Simon Desgagnés sets the table for the Canadian University Cross-Country Championships in which he will participate in a week in Ontario, with his teammates from the Rouge et Or from Laval University. “To put the icing on the sundae,” he concluded.
His training over the last four weeks has been a happy mix of the two disciplines.
“I can feel the excitement of Quebec so far! I can’t wait to join them and head to London. The first box is ticked with this gold medal, eyes are now on cross-country! »