Quebec athletics | A “small revolution” that is still “precarious”

Four Quebec runners are on track to qualify for the Paris Olympic Games. If all goes well, one, two or even three could be added by the June 30 deadline.

In Tokyo, in 2021, walker Mathieu Bilodeau was the only Quebec representative on the Canadian team.

Does this mean that Quebec athletics is at the heart of a revolution? asked a colleague on Tuesday afternoon during a press conference promoting the Montreal Athletics Classic, presented Friday evening at the Claude-Robillard sports complex.

“I rather think that we are in the process of rebalancing the pendulums,” replied Jean-Simon Desgagnés.

Desgagnés, 25, participates in his own way. The medical student at Laval University made people’s eyes widen by finishing 8^e in the 3000m steeplechase at the World Championships in Budapest last summer. Considering himself in better shape than a year earlier, the native of Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges is aiming as well, if not better, at his first Games in Paris.

At the Classic, Desgagnés will line up in the 1500m to test his reflexes in the peloton and his peak speed in anticipation of the Canadian Olympic Trials which will take place on the same track next week.

Keeping the flame alive

Himself a 1500m specialist, Charles Philibert-Thiboutot will start in the “premium” 1000m, where he will try to improve his own provincial record.

“It’s really nice to see that with four people like that, we’re creating such enthusiasm,” the middle distance runner first rejoiced. There is a lot of hope to see Quebecers make a big comeback in athletics. But you have to remember that it doesn’t take much for that number to go to 1 or 2 or 5 or 6.”

Semi-finalist in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, the 33-year-old athlete remembered the health problems and some bad luck which caused him to miss his qualification in 2021. He passed the standard a week after the cut. Another Quebecer, William Paulsen, failed by a few hundredths.

Philibert-Thiboutot, who bounced back with a personal best, an Olympic standard and a gold medal at the Pan American Games last year, is therefore fully aware of the fragility of these successes.

“In 2021, it was very dry at the Quebec level for the Games. What’s happening now is really fun, but you have to remember that it’s quite precarious. If we are able to align a presence as we have [actuellement], of four or more athletes over a few years, at the Worlds next year and if this is constant until 2028, we will then be on the right track to have a more representative team at the next Olympic Games. »

In his eyes, the organization of events like the Montreal Classic is essential to keep the flame alive.

“At the time when I was qualified for Rio, I remember that at the 5 km in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, there was a young person like Thomas Fafard. He was maybe 15-16 years old at the time, and here he is very close to qualifying [pour Paris] at 5000 m. We don’t really know the impact that high-level athletes can have on local youth. »

Philibert-Thiboutot cited the example of the Bislett Games in Oslo, a meeting on the Diamond League circuit where Olympic champion Jakob Ingebrigtsen usually shines.

“We hear that afterwards, there are hundreds of mini-Jakobs who, all over the country, run crazy times over distances of 5 km, 10 km, at the age of 12-13. It’s somewhat undeniable that high-level sports have this kind of influence on young people. A competition like the Montreal Classic is truly decisive in the creation of talent. »

“We want to give a good show”

Faithful to the Classic since her victory in 2019, Audrey Leduc no longer needs an introduction since her dazzling successes in 2024.

Not only did the 25-year-old sprinter practically ensure her selection for Paris, she also erased the Canadian records in the 100m and 200m. The two 100m on Friday (there will be semi-finals) will be another opportunity to put the pedal to the metal for those who train at Claude-Robillard.

“It’s the Olympic year, we’re seeing great performances from Quebecers and it’s in the media,” noted the Gatineau athlete. It creates excitement. So my goal is to go to the track and run as fast as possible. We want to give a good show when it comes to the sprints. »

For her part, Simone Plourde will try to secure her place in the 1500 m in Paris, she who is at 40^e rank in the World Athletics rankings for a maximum of 45 registered.

“If I manage to rank well, it will allow me to get these points which are crucial […] to ensure my qualification,” explained the representative of the Nike Union Athletics Club in Oregon. “It’s a very big advantage to be able to do this at home in Montreal. »

On Friday, Simone Plourde will be able to count on a hare who will start the event on the basis of 4 min 4 s, 4 min 5 s. Depending on the scenario, the 23-year-old runner will want to do better than her provincial record of 4 min 5.92 s achieved in Los Angeles last month. The presence of New Zealander Kimberly May, NCAA vice-champion, could be another asset. Note the participation of Ontarian Gabriela DeBues-Stafford, 5^e in Tokyo, who is trying to get back into shape after being slowed down by an injury.

Laurent Godbout, director of the Classic, is delighted with the commitment of Quebec athletes, recalling to what extent the finances of the meeting, which enjoys “bronze” certification from the World Athletics continental circuit, are also “precarious “. He highlighted the “unconditional support” of Athlétisme Québec and Athletics Canada, as well as that of “loyal” sponsors. “That contrasts quite a bit with Sport Canada,” he said before the conclusion of the virtual session.