Posted: March 5, 2007

Athletics: Interview with Genevičve Thibault, Women’s Canadian 100-metre Champion

Athletics Canada (AC): What has been your greatest achievement in your track career to this point? Genevičve Thibault(GT): Winning the 2006 national title as a first year senior. AC: What was it like donning the Canadian uniform and representing Canada at the 2004 World Junior Championships? GT: I was very proud; it was my first participation with a national team in an individual event. I did participate at the World Youth championships in 2003 but it was only with the relay team. In addition to this, my results in Italy were over and above my expectations improving from 11.86s to 11.74s. AC: How did the experience differ from representing Canada on home soil at the 2003 World Youth Championships in Sherbrooke? GT:The difference did not come from the country where the event was held, but more from the fact that I was participating in an individual event. This is why I cherished the Italy experience a little bit more. AC: What are your goals for the 2007 season? Have you set specific objectives you would like to meet? GT:Of course, I want to conserve my Canadian title! Another goal this year is to participate at the World Championships in Japan, that would be my biggest objective for the 2007 season (and for my career too!). If I can’t make the Worlds team, I would like to achieve a podium at the FISU Games. AC: How important to you is it to defend your Canadian 100-metre crown in Windsor? Will you approach the race differently now that you are the best, now that you are the one everyone will be gunning for? GT:Its evident being the “chasee” instead of the “chaser” is much more difficult, knowing that nobody will make the way to the top easy for me… Being a Canadian champion makes my goals and aspirations that much higher. Another way to look at it is that this should not change my vision of the races. I want to try and avoid any additional stress which would have a negative impact on me. AC: Have you recently made any changes to your training habits or have you been doing the same kinds of things? Do you have a strict training regiment you follow including nutrition (what you eat / drink)? GT:I haven’t changed a thing in my approach or my training. Why change a winning formula? AC: What keeps you busy when you’re not training or competing (hobbies, pass-times, interests)? GT:I go to school …(yay!), I go shopping, I watch movies and eat pop corn (with butter!) yumm! AC: Can you offer any advice to any young athletes out there who are just getting started and aspire to one-day become Canadian champion? GT:If he / she is sincere toward himself (or herself) and believes in his talent, it is imperative to take everything related to competition very seriously, however to also ensure he/she is havinf a lot of fun doing it! Speed Round What is your favourite food? Fruits What is your favourite movie? Shottas (I did it!) What music are you currently listening to? Hip Hop, R and B, Southern Hip Hop What’s your “Must-See TV”? Funniest home videos What would people be surprised to know about you? I’m slow in everything I do … Excepted when I run! If you can visit any city in the world, where would you go? The Gizeh plateau in Egypt, to see the pyramids! This article was posted with the permission of Athletics Canada.To read more from The Gold Standard, Athletics Canada's monthly newsletter please visit: Athletics Canada. Subscribe to the Gold Standard at: Athletics Canada.