Jean-Simon Desgagnés started his season on a good note by setting a personal best on Friday in the 3000m steeplechase.
The Laval University runner clocked 8 min 22 s 95, cutting nearly two seconds off his personal best, to claim victory at NYC Track Night for the second year in a row.
“It went really, really well,” said Desgagnés, whose best time of 8:24 was achieved on June 11 in Portland, Oregon. My performance represents the fastest time achieved in 2022 in North America. My training had gone well, I was confident and it’s not a surprise to have been so fast. »
Happy with his victory and his record, however, Desgagnés missed the standard to qualify for the world championship by less than a second.
If he wants to be present in Eugene, Oregon for the World Cup from July 15 to 24, he must achieve a time of 8 min 22 s.
“It was the number one objective of my presence in New York and it makes a small pinch in the heart to pass so close, he imagined. I was alone in the lead for the last 1000m and that made me maybe lose a few seconds. A tight end allows you to go faster. »
“However, there are a lot of positives to remember, to pursue the master’s student at the Center de recherche du CHU de Québec, and I will have the opportunity to pass my standard in three weeks in Portland. Qualifying for the World Cup is my ultimate goal this season. »
Fierce fight
The fight is fierce in Canada for the three positions. John Gay, with whom Desgagnés trained in Arizona at a Canadian team camp in April, and Matthew Hugues achieved their standard last year. For his part, Ryan Smeeton, who took part in the 2019 worlds in Doha, is also chasing after his standard.
If the four runners pass their standard, the first three at the Canadian championship which will take place from June 23 to 26 in Langley, British Columbia will obtain their pass for Eugene.
“There are four athletes for three spots,” summarized Desgagnés. The objective is to pass my standard before the nationals. At the Canadian championship, the race is more strategic and it becomes more difficult to set a good time. »
Desgagnés also just missed the Quebec record in the 3000m steeplechase. The mark of 8:19 belongs to London 2012 Olympian Alex Genest.