Leduc, the fastest woman in the country with times of 10.96 seconds for 100 m and 22.36 seconds for 200 m, did not hesitate when asked what her objectives were for the week. -end.
“I want to win the race and maybe make a personal mark,” she said during the press conference organized by Athletics Canada to launch the week’s activities.
“I’m really looking forward to being able to compete in front of my family, my friends. I want to show Quebecers that we are capable of sprinting here in Quebec. I can’t wait to surpass myself on this track.”
— Audrey Leduc
When asked about the dangers of leaving too much on the track some five weeks before the 100m finals at the Paris Games, the Gatineau athlete, who studies at Laval University, did not hesitate.
“I don’t think we can leave too much on one track,” she assured. The faster you run on a track, the faster the next race will be in my opinion.”
At her third consecutive athletics meet, Leduc, who has not yet set a goal for the Olympics — her first — believes she will be able to achieve a very good time.
“Running several competitions one after the other allows you to lower the times, that’s what happened last week,” noted Leduc about his time of 11.00 seconds recorded. in qualifying for the Montreal Classic.
Audrey Leduc is the fastest woman in the country with times of 10.96 seconds for 100m and 22.36 seconds for 200m. (Louis Charland/Rouge et Or)
Course locale, calibre international
The 25-year-old sprinter will be one of the headliners of these Canadian Trials, with Andre De Grasse, Charles Philibert-Thiboutot and other Marco Arop. In total, more than 1,850 athletes from 178 clubs across the country will compete in the events held until Sunday.
Philibert-Thiboutot, who achieved the Olympic standard in the 1500m, also comes to Montreal with great ambitions.
“I’m aiming for the Canadian title. Last year I came second. I want him back and I worked very hard to get him. (…) The form is there and I will respond, regardless of the type of race that is presented to me.
De Grasse is very happy to find a Canadian track again.
“It’s good to be back home, I was able to spend a few days in Toronto before flying to Montreal. I’m very happy to compete in an event in Canada, where I haven’t raced since last year, in Vancouver.
“I want to run [le 100 m] under 10 seconds and collect another national title. I am very motivated. I know we are still four or five weeks away, but I want to send a message here in view of the Paris Games.
Andre De Grasse hopes to run under 10 seconds and collect another national title. (MICHAL CIZEK/Archives AFP)
De Grasse has decided to concentrate on the 100m and the 4 x 100m relay this week and will skip the 200m, which he plans to run in Paris.
“I mainly focused on the 100m this season, but my physical condition is back to what it was before my injuries. I was able to focus on my preparation and my physical condition and I feel that I am at the level where I need to be. I fully intend to run the double.”
The competition will get off to a great start with world hammer throw champions Camryn Rogers and Ethan Katzberg opening the event on Wednesday. Rising 400m star Christopher Morales-Williams and reigning 800m world champion Marco Arop will be in action on Thursday. Philibert-Thiboutot will hit the track on Friday for qualifying, the same day as the 100m finals.
Following these National Trials, the Canadian Olympic Track and Field Team will be officially announced on July 2. The Paris Olympic Games will take place from July 26 to August 11.
