(Montreal) In cold and windy conditions at the Claude-Robillard Sports Complex, Jean-Simon Desgagnés did not pass the Canadian standard giving direct access to the Paris Olympic Games in the 3000-meter steeplechase. But he can still pack his suitcase.
The 25-year-old from Quebec won his second consecutive Canadian championship at the Canadian Track and Field Trials by clocking a time of eight minutes, 34.56 seconds (8:34.56), some 20 seconds behind the time of 8: 15.00 which would have directly guaranteed him his place at the Games.
But the champion of the last Pan American Games currently ranks 22nd in the world in the discipline, which will have 36 participants in the French capital. Met a few seconds after his performance, the one who runs for the Rouge et Or of Laval University spoke of a mission accomplished.
Desgagnés, whose best time is 8: 15.58, run last year in Budapest, was ahead of Ontario’s Kevin Robertson (8: 37.91), leader for a good part of the race, as well as the Alberta’s Aaron Ahl (8:39.16). Kevin Robertson, another, from St-Laurent Sélect, finished fourth in 8:39.31.
Eighth in the 2023 Worlds, Desgagnés, who ran in front of many parents and a group of friends who have followed each other since high school – the “Goons” –, will aim for a top 10 at the Paris Games.
Until then, he should take part in the Diamond League steeplechase in Paris on July 7, before heading to Switzerland to train at altitude. He will then join the Canadian team, which will hold its final training camp in the heat of Barcelona.
Later, Repentignois Thomas Fafard will also try to obtain his pass for the Olympics in the 5000m. Fafard fell just seven hundredths short last May in Belgium when he ran 13:05.07. He should have a good race this Thursday, he who is ranked 41st in the world. Only the top 42 in the world will be admitted.
