Moncton runner Geneviève Lalonde taking a break from competition

Olympic runner Geneviève Lalonde of Moncton has announced she is taking a break from competition. However, she’s not retiring.

The Canadian record holder in the women’s steeplechase at 3,000 metres was the 30-year-old Canadian who won the Tokyo Olympics 2020. saidShe hasn’t stopped competing and training since her first athletics career almost two decades ago. 

Lalonde said she is opting out of competing this summer season, which is the most strenuous time for track athletes as they train and compete between April and September. 

“I’ve been competing in athletics since I was 12 years old and the thing with distance runners is we have no off-season,” she saidVictoria interviews you. 

She saidHer motivation has been shattered by the constant pressure she is under and her hard work.

She stated, “The last couple of years it has been quite intense.” said. 

Lalonde was the Olympic champion in the last Olympic cycle. saidShe participated in every national team competition she could. 

Lalonde saidShe left Guelph in Ont. during that time, leaving behind a poor training environment. She was there for a decade.

“It was a pretty psychologically traumatic time … we uplifted our life and moved out to Victoria at the end of 2019,” she said. 

“We had to not only move across the country but also set up a new team and coach team to begin preparations for the Olympics.” 

Lalonde saidThe trauma she endured and the dramatic changes that her life underwent, in addition to having to face a pandemic, was a huge toll. She now needs to take a break both mentally and physically.

Next summer will prove crucial. She will need to compete in order to qualify and prepare for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, making this a good time to step away. 

She saidShe realized that this was the first time she needed a break when her coach pulled at her and noticed she wasn’t completely herself. 

“It was the very first time that someone had done it.” said”You don’t have to compete in this summer” was my response. I thought it was something I knew but had to voice, and that was the best decision I made.” said Lalonde. 

She said the decision was scary and difficult, but it got easier with the support of coaches, Athletics Canada and her community.

“I’m truly grateful,” said Lalonde. 

Lalonde saidShe hopes her leap inspires others to take tough decisions to improve their health, to have support and realize that they are not just their sport. 

Summer plans

Lalonde intends to run during her break but would like to take up trail running to keep the sport she loves and not feel the pressure to compete. 

She plans to travel together with her husband, on a trip that is not related to sports. This will be a first for them.

She would also like to return home. 

“Being from Moncton … I think it’s so cool that I got to look up to people in my hometown, see them succeed and then come home to celebrate with them,” saidLalonde: “I believe that’s been the best part of my journey.”