Plourde Wraps Up Competition at Paris Olympics

PARIS – Former Utah All-American Simone Plourde (CAN) closed out her time at the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad on Wednesday, Aug. 7, after placing sixth in her heat of the women’s 1500m repechage round inside Stade de France.
 
“It definitely does give me confidence,” said Plourde after competing with the worlds at the Olympics. “It was a bittersweet feeling because I was close making the semifinals. But, at the same time, I think running two solid races back-to-back and being within the race does give me a lot of confidence compared to Budapest last year where I didn’t necessarily feel in the race at that level. Now coming back a year later with a lot­ more confidence, being able to run with those women and run at that level, it’s for sure a confidence booster. But, it also makes me want to work even harder to make that next jump.”
 
The first-year pro runner made her Olympics debut as member of Team Canada on Tuesday, Aug. 6, in the second heat of the women’s 1500m race against a very competitive group that consisted six of the top-20 ranked runners in that event. Plourde kept her pace with the lead group before finishing in ninth with a time of 4:06.59 behind a late push to move up two spots.
 
“What I learned competing with the best of the best is that to trust myself and the work I put in knowing that in a championship race like that, nothing is taken for granted,” Plourde said after the race. “I think I’ll come back with more confidence but also learned about what it takes to be at that level. There’s still a lot of work to be put in to be able to make that next jump.”
 
Plourde had a second chance to qualify for the semifinal round the very next day thanks to the newly added repechage round in this year’s Olympic Games with the top-three in each of the two heats advancing. The Montreal native ran well, but just missed out on moving onto the next round after crossing the finish line at 4:08.49 for sixth in her heat.
 
“Having my family there was everything,” mentioned Plourde. “I am so, so, so grateful they were there and able to experience…