Written by Trackandmemes, May 23, 2023
With a performance of 8 minutes, 43 seconds and 93 hundredths in the 3000m steeplechase (8’ 43’’ 93), Clément Labar has qualified for the European U23 championships which will take place from July 12 to 16 in Finland.
It all started at the age of 7, when he joined theARCH, Clément was born in Ciney, where his parents met. Immersed in athletics at a young age, Clément started to perform at a good level 4 years ago, and since then, he has known nothing but constant progress.
After you made the minimums for the U23 European Championships, what was the first thing you said to yourself?
"Unbelievable"
Because I was looking for the minimum, but being in my first year as a hopeful, and having a record of 9' 00'', I knew that it was not going to be easy. The selection limit was set at 8′ 46''. I knew I was ready, but I didn't think I was that ready. As I crossed the finish line, I gave a good shout out. I just enjoyed it, I was super happy.
Is this your first international qualification?
This is my third international competition. Two years ago I went to the European U20 Championship in Tallinn. And last year I was at the U20 World Championships in Cali. Each time it was to compete in the 3000m steeplechase.
In Tallinn, everything was going well. I was well prepared. But unfortunately, after 1000m of race, I fell. So I finished 22nd in this championship, although I was aiming for a final.
On the other hand, in Cali, for the Worlds, I arrived with the 29th time for the steeplechase. I knew I was in good shape, but I told myself that a Top 25 would be very good. The final was made up of the top 15 athletes. I wanted to try and qualify for it, but without any real conviction. And finally! I found myself in 16th position in the ranking for these world championships. It's a pity, but for such a high championship, it's already great. I reach a new level every year, and today was already a great level. This year, I think that the final will pass.
What makes this qualification so special?
This is my first year in U23. We know that in U23, at the beginning, it's a bit complicated, because this category is not composed of two years, as for the lower categories, but three years.
So regarding this race where I qualified, I originally thought it would be very complicated. With my coach, we said that I would use this race as a preparation for IFAM and the other competitions to come. I surprised myself by doing the minimums here, and being 3 seconds under the minimum required... That's what makes this qualification so special. That's what makes this qualification so special. And then, every time you make the minimums, there are always incredible emotions that come from it.
Did you encounter any difficulties during your preparation ?
For my preparation, I was lucky in that respect. Like all athletes, I had a few little glitches, but nothing really serious. I did my training in Font Romeu, France, without any problem. My winter season also went well, so I knew I was in shape. I just had to get the performance out of my legs.
How do you plan for the rest of the season?
The rest of my season is a bit upset, positively, since I was planning to run after the minima. For example, next week, I was supposed to do the 3000m steeplechase at IFAM, but this race will be replaced by a 1500m.
Then, I would present myself on this same distance at home, thus at the Golden Series, in Ciney. I would like to do a good time there.
And then, for the European championships, we will aim for the final. We are not closing the door on anything, because everything is possible in a championship. The idea is to aim high. There's no point in going there to aim for nothing. We will be able to prepare properly with two months of preparation. And after that, I'll probably have fun on distances I'm not used to, like the 5000m or the 800m.
Finish this sentence "I can't see myself coming back from the European Championships without..."
I don't see myself coming back from the European Championships without a final, and maybe even without a Top 10.
I have already missed the final twice, so this year is the one! We don't close the door to anything, everything is possible!
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