Commonwealth Profile: Nicole Sifuentes

Nicole Sifuentes is one of two Canadian women who will be lining up to race the women’s 1,500m at the Commonwealth Games, both looking to be in top shape and ready to compete.

Sifuentes, a Winnipeg, Man., native, finished second to Kate Van Buskirk at the recent national championships but sports a faster personal best and finished third at the world indoor championships last March.

Why you should watch: Sifuentes won the bronze medal at the most recent world indoor championships. That in itself should be enough to convince you she’s a pre-race threat.

The 28-year-old’s best time is a 4:04.65 from last summer in Los Angeles and a recent 4:04.87result shows she’s in top shape just in time for the Games. She’s becoming well-acquainted with international competition, twice representing Canada at the world indoor championships and being on the previous world championship and Olympic teams.

This also won’t be Sifuentes’s first trip to India, competing in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

When she’s racing: Sifuentes, along with teammate Kate Van Buskirk, is set to race the 1,500m heats on July 28 at 12:20 p.m. local time (7:15 a.m. EDT/ 4:15 PDT). The final for the event is scheduled for the next day at 9:50 p.m. (4:50 p.m. EDT/ 2:50 PDT). The races can be watched live on CBC.ca.

What are your main goals for the Commonwealth Games?

My number one goal for 2014 has been to win a medal for Canada at the Commonwealth Games. That being said, I can only control myself, so, no matter the result, I want to cross the finish line knowing I did everything possible to reach that goal.

What have the last few weeks since nationals been like for you? Has the preparation for the Games been different from other events?

I have been overseas in Europe and the U.K. since July 1. I raced in Paris, Lignano, Glasgow and Heusden.

I’ve had a lot of great opportunities getting in races and it’s been valuable racing experience. I am still building momentum going into Commonwealth Games and feel that my best performances of 2014 are still ahead of me.

What things did you learn in previous international competitions that you hope will help you in Glasgow?

I’ve felt the disappointment of being a spectator for the final of my event at both [the Olympics and world chmapionships], and the regret of lacking confidence. These are experiences that have made me more determined to get the best out of myself. I have been trying to build confidence throughout this year so when I’m on the start line, I am focused and relaxed, without anxiety.

Did the bronze medal at world indoors change your approach to major championships?

Certainly. Going into the final in Sopot, [Poland,] I told myself that anything was possible. It was head knowledge. The fact that I won a medal convinced me that anything actually is possible. Although there are several women — many more than three — who could be on the podium in Glasgow, I truly believe that I am one of them.

You’re coming off a fast 4:04 time. Does that boost your confidence going into Glasgow?

Yes. Before I ran 4:04 in Paris, my season’s best was 4:07. I can’t say I would be too confident going to Glasgow with only a 4:07, so the 4:04 showed me that, despite a rocky early outdoor season, I am rounding into shape just in time. I am not far off my lifetime best and, as I mentioned above, I know my best races are still ahead of me this season.