Alex Genest: 3000m steeplechase

Name: Alex Genest
Hometown: Lac-aux-Sables, Quebec
Club: Speed River Track Club
Coach: Dave Scott-Thomas
Age: 25
Personal Best: 8:19.33 (3000m steeplechase)

Alex Genest, from Lac-aux-Sables, Que., wasn’t always a steeplechaser. Originally a hurdler, Genest made the move to the steeplechase at age 15. He attended the University of Sherbrooke before transferring to the University of Guelph. Genest made the move to Guelph from Quebec in order to bring his running to another level.

Genest has placed first or second in the steeplechase since 2005 at the national championships. Despite numerous successes in the longer distances including cross-country, it wasn’t until 2011 that Genest was selected for his first national senior track and field team when he competed in the 3000m steeplechase after achieving the “A” standard in Barcelona. Genest’s personal best of 8:19.33 is the third-fastest steeplechase ever run by a Canadian. Since achieving the “B” standard twice early on this season, at races in Brazil and California, Genest has enjoyed time off racing to focus on his training.

Genest and partner Marie-Christine had a son last July 1, 2011, named Arnaud, just three weeks prior to Genest running the race of his life in Barcelona. Since moving to Guelph, Alex and Marie-Christine have both spent time volunteering and tutoring in the community. Genest is a student at the University of Guelph, studying English as a second language.