It’s unlikely there are various individuals who would juggle a regulation diploma with the calls for of being an expert athlete. Not to mention one trying to qualify for his or her second Olympic Video games. Lizzie Chook, nevertheless, has accomplished simply that. Forward of the 3000m steeplechase in Paris, Lizzie spoke to James Rhodes about her season up to now, coming back from sickness and what would possibly lie forward, each on and off the observe.
Seven and a half laps, 35 obstacles. That’s what separates Lizzie Chook from making her second consecutive Olympic closing. For some, her efficiency in Tokyo exceeded expectations, however not for those who adopted intently. A ninth-place end and a British Report, her second of the yr.
It’s truthful to say lots has occurred since. The following yr noticed Lizzie enhance her British Report to 9:07.87 in Monaco, however disappointment in not making the ultimate on the World Championships. A busy summer time ended effectively with silver at a house Commonwealth Video games and bronze on the European Championships a fortnight later.
Nonetheless, final season was all-but-wiped out by mono. A sole steeplechase on the London Diamond League, a last-gasp try and make the World Championships. It was to not be. The following purpose, Paris. One impediment in the best way (alongside the 28 obstacles and 5 water jumps); getting the Olympic normal.
Fortunately, the return to racing has been a constructive one and one thing Lizzie believed may occur.
“I used to be fairly positive that if I may keep wholesome I may get again to the place I used to be earlier than, however that’s all the time an enormous if! I had just a few niggles within the winter that made me lots much less positive, however as soon as I bought over mono, which took fairly a very long time, my coaching up till December was fairly strong. A couple of bumps in January and February, after which bought into the swing of issues.
I bought to April, and I used to be working out of time [to get the Olympic standard]. I knew I wanted to begin racing. My first race wasn’t very quick, but it surely by no means is for the primary one. I used to be a bit underneath strain with time, but it surely’s labored out okay in the long run!”.
Picture: James Rhodes
Conquering Rome
After that season opener of 9:32.95 in Los Angeles, consideration turned to the European Championships in Rome. From the surface, it was exhausting to foretell what consequence would possibly seem like. There was no want for concern.
Bronze medal, 9:18.39, Olympic normal ticked off in simply the third race of the season. It might need been solely two seconds shy of the gold, but it surely was a consequence to be happy with.
“I used to be actually completely happy. In comparison with the Europeans final time once I additionally bought bronze and was truly actually disillusioned, this time getting bronze I used to be actually proud of. I’d solely accomplished one race coming into it! I believed on day I may medal however in all probability my precedence was simply to get the Olympic normal. I ticked each the bins in order that was the ‘a’ purpose”.
Picture: James Rhodes
The British Championships adopted, a Championship Report of 9:29.67. Lizzie and her coach, Pat McMurray, had differing opinions on race techniques, however being pushed for a lot of the race by Elise Thorner eliminated any dilemma.
“I chatted to my coach earlier than and I wished to entrance run a bit and make it quick, however he discouraged me from doing that, simply due to the danger once you’re extra fatigued. My plan was to select it up for the final kilometre and see if I may run three minutes or simply underneath. Elise took it out at an trustworthy tempo, she ran a very good race”.
Paris Awaits
A prelude within the French capital adopted every week later; the Paris Diamond League. Lizzie completed third in 9:09.07, the second quickest of her profession. There have been loads of positives to take from the event.
“I believed I used to be in all probability in about 9:10 form, but it surely’s a distinct factor to go and do it. It undoubtedly gave me a little bit of confidence going into the ultimate month. It was a really shocking race with the leaders, but it surely was enjoyable to be up there with a few laps to go. I believe I may have run a PB, however I mentally switched off in that final 200m. That’s one thing to work on”.
Lower than a month after that race, Lizzie returns to the French capital for her second look on the most important stage. After studying in Tokyo she is “ championship performer and might rise to the event”, the targets for Paris are clear. Make the ultimate, run a PB, end as excessive as potential.
“I’m actually excited. It’s my second Olympics however I’m actually excited to have my supporters there and my household within the crowds”.
The Olympics will most definitely be Lizzie’s final race of the season. Nonetheless, with a brand new life chapter starting in September, it could even be the final race of her profession.
Picture: James Rhodes
Altering Gears
As a toddler, Lizzie was virtually as effectively travelled as when an expert athlete. Born within the Philippines, her dad’s work meant time in Pakistan and Dubai preceded life in St Albans. This “immigration way of life”, as she referred to as it, has performed a job in what is going to comply with just a few weeks after the Olympics. Full-time work in immigration regulation on the Colorado Supreme Court docket.
After learning at Princeton throughout her collegiate years, Lizzie began regulation college on the College of Colorado after the Tokyo Olympics. Immigration has all the time been an curiosity, and regulation was the trail of selection “to attempt to make a distinction within the immigration world”.
She graduated in December and took the bar in February, important life moments in amongst the steeplechase coaching. The balancing act of coaching and learning succeeded, however it should he exhausting to proceed. No definitive selections will come till post-Paris.
“I’m going to get to Paris, see how that goes, and go absolutely into my profession and see what occurs with working. I begin work a few weeks after the Olympics, so it’s undoubtedly going to be altering gears at that time. I’ll make any long-term selections just a few months from then”.
No matter whether or not the massive dance is the final dance, it’s sure to be an thrilling one. The heats of the 3000m steeplechase happen on Sunday 4 August. Lizzie shall be joined by Aimee Pratt.
