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Interview with Marie-Claude Bodilis-Loaëc the new European Record holder and World Record holder 2000m Steeple F50 in 7’ 42”04 min

K.K.: What makes you running the steeples?

M.B.: When I was a teenager, I was fascinated by hurdles races, especially by Colin Jakson and Stéphane Diagana but I’d never practised until 38 years old….
When I began running my coach asked me for a help on 400m hurdles during a club competition, I answered “Why not ?”. I enjoyed it but it was a bit short.
I rather had a cross woman’s profile, then he proposed me to try steeple and I agree because the challenge pleased me.
I usually prefer technical races like cross-country or steeplechase, you have to be all eyes all the time, to strike a balance between speed and strength…
I recently tried pole vault, it was funny ! Even I only jump 2 meters….it’s just to give points to my club for the competitions.

K.K.: When did you start to be a master athlete?

M.B.: I started to be a master athlete in Bordeaux 2001 for the European Indoor Championship. I ran 1500 meters and, oh my God, I was the third, I didn’t believe it!
To keep the momentum, I decided to go to Potsdam for the European stadium championship and won the steeple F40.
After that, I participate in different world masters championships (Porto-Rico 2003, San Sebastian 2005 and Lahti2009) and won silver medal three times .
Steeple became a specialty for summertime at length….

K.K.: How do you feel to be that strong in your age category?

M.B. It’s incredible, I’d never practised sport until I began running (excepted at school and table tennis during 3 years), I think I had unknown physical abilities so I just thank my parents !
I am also a “young” athlete practising, so I am a wise-woman because of my age and in near mint condition too ! ! !
I only run for 13 years, I begin to have experience even so I don’t progress anymore.
I just feel good and have a lot of pleasure when I’m training.
I also hope to be a model for young people and less young, I like to advise and help my partners during trainings...beginning sport is good and valuable however your age.
I try to be an example to encourage women to do sport.

K.K.: What is your important goal of participating in master athletics?

M.B.: The most important to me is to compete in a friendly atmosphere, and to pay tribute to my coach and club’s work.
It is also a good way to get self confidence.

K.K.: Do you have further plans for the next years?

M.B.: I hope I will participate to the future World Masters Championship in Porto-Alegre. Even so it is difficult to find financing...
I’ll enjoy to become a coach too, it will be a good occupational retraining to give all I received !

K.K.: What is your motto in life?

M.B.: You have to get once feet wet to jump over obstacles

Interview by Kurt Kaschke