To list all of Genevieve Gregson’s accomplishments would be quite the drawn-out process: she’s a two-time Olympic Finalist, a two-time World Champs Finalist and an Australian record holder, to name just a few. Recently, I was given the opportunity to profile Gregson, and hearing from her was incredible.
Her Campus (HC): What’s your name? Where are you from? What event do you run?
Genevieve Gregson (GG): My name is Genevieve Gregson (née LaCaze) and I am a two-time Australian Olympian and Australian record holder in the 3000m steeplechase. I run professionally for Nike and train with the Melbourne Track Club when I am based in Australia. My husband and I spend approximately six months overseas training and competing in the European circuit and we are both currently aiming for our 3rd Olympics! I typically compete in any distance over 800m; however, my specialty is the 3000m steeplechase.
HC: How did you fall in love with running? When did you start running?
GG: Running found me, I think. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t running or being active. My family has always been very sporty, so as soon as we could walk, my parents had us involved in all sorts of activities. The first cross-country race that I can remember was in 4th grade when I was eight years old. I won my school cross-country competition and naturally fell in love with distance running from then on.
HC: How has running changed your life? Where do you think you would be if you weren’t a professional athlete?
GG: Running has created endless opportunities for me. Any amazing moment in my life somehow always traces back to running or athletics (including meeting my husband). In high school, I had already represented my country in the All-Schools Cross-Country World Championships in Italy so I had developed a true love for the sport early. I grew up dreaming of the Olympics. Looking back, there were several moments in my life where I could have ended up on a different path. However, thankfully, through the help of loved ones around me, I always chose to pursue running no matter what barriers I faced along the way.
HC: What race are you proudest of?
GG: My Australian record in Paris, just 10 days after the 2016 Olympic Games.
HC: What is the most important life lesson that running has taught you?
GG: No matter how hard life may seem, no matter what heartaches you experience or adversity you face, there is always a way forward. Running has made me so mentally resilient that I feel I can conquer anything.
HC: Do you have any specific coaches or teammates that had a significant impact on you?
GG: My husband has been such a significant person in my life because he has spent some of my most difficult days by my side. He rides every high and low as if it was his own and having him with me through some of the darkest days have been such a blessing. This sport can be very lonely, so to have a teammate and best friend that understands every step is priceless.
HC: How did you become a pro runner? What steps did you have to take?
GG: This was a very natural step for me. I graduated from college and made the 2012 Olympics all in the span of a few months, so running opened doors for me at that point in my life. I started running professionally after the Olympics on a small contract with New Balance and joined the Melbourne Track Club. Every year, I got a little faster and stronger and by 2016 I had a huge breakout year. In 2017, I joined Nike and have been competing for them ever since.
HC: What’s your favorite way to carb-load?
GG: I love rice and bread so if I have an important distance race that I need to carbo-load for, I usually rely on those two foods.
HC: What’s one thing you wish you could tell your younger self/someone that wants to become a professional runner? Why?
GG: Be kind to yourself. I have made so many errors in this sport by trying too hard and pushing myself when I needed rest. I never listened to my body when it was breaking, and it caused a lot of injury and time off over the years. Rest isn’t a bad thing.
HC: What other passions/hobbies do you have? Tell us about them!
GG: I love to travel. Even though I spend so much time on the road, traveling to new cities and running in different sceneries is my favorite. I also love family time as I don’t get it much. Spending Christmas at home with my family and my husband’s family is one of my favorite things to do.
HC: How has the coronavirus impacted your season/the running world in general?
GG: At first, it was difficult to deal with mentally. I was so ready for the season ahead and I was tracking well for my best year yet. When you are dealing with something on your own, I think it is much harder to cope. However, with COVID-19 being a global pandemic, it was easy to put everything in perspective and realize there are people suffering so much more than athletes. I am grateful for my health, my sponsors and my support team. This year has been different and at times very tough, but I know I can stay positive and support the ones that need it more right now.
You can find Genevieve Gregson here.
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