Charles Philibert-Thiboutot, a great ambassador of running in Quebec, has already qualified for the next Olympic Games in Paris in the 1500 meters and has decided to run more than twenty kilometers to be in good shape for the race on Sunday stay Beneva Montreal Marathon.
In this half marathon, Philibert-Thiboutot therefore played the role of “rabbit” for those who wanted to keep the pace to finish their race in 1 hour and 40 minutes. In running parlance, the name of the animal is given to a specialist who is asked to cover a distance in a certain time.
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“We were a large peloton that ran in 1 hour and 40 minutes, and that shows that running in Quebec is really healthy,” remarked the 32-year-old athlete at the finish line. I cheered people on and kept the crowd energized. It’s an experience that I really value. I really enjoy seeing people cross the finish line with pride. »
If his role in the event did not have such a goal, Philibert-Thiboutot agrees that this mass influx could serve as additional motivation for the Paris Games in 2024.
“In Quebec it remains special because there are not many athletics fans compared to Europe, but I realize that there are still people who follow me or know my name,” he said. I am flattered and feel the support of Quebecers for the Olympics. »
The Pan American Games are coming soon!
Before Philibert-Thiboutot plans his trip to Paris, he will soon resume training in Quebec. He is therefore planning four good weeks of preparation for the Pan American Games, which will take place in Chile from October 20th to November 5th.
“I’ll be training in Quebec with Jean-Simon Desgagnés, it’s kind of a return to my roots,” he said, adding that he has spent a lot of time in the Vancouver area in recent years.
For the Pan American Games, Philibert-Thiboutot knows very well that he will not be at his best in the 1500m and 5000m races. Rather, the aim is to reach his full potential in Paris, where he will attempt to match or beat his personal best (3min 32.94sec) set last June in France.
A model of humility
Among all participants in the Beneva Montreal Marathon, Simon Leblanc, who came second in the 42.2-kilometer event, wanted to highlight Thiboutot-Philibert’s presence on site.
“Charles always remained humble and humane,” said Leblanc, who worked with him on the university scene. Every time we see him, he welcomes us with open arms. »