Laura Muir is in “excellent form” going into the Olympics in Paris, and she has a rare Stade de France record on her side.
Laura Muir will know that no woman has ever finished a 1500-meter race at the enormous Stade De France quicker than she will when she lines up there next month. Actually, the Scottish gold contender has the French outdoor record for the whole distance.
It’s an incredibly remarkable honor that dates back eight years to the Meeting De Paris of the Diamond League in 2016. And the 31-year-old will have the most consoling memories of her 3 minutes 55.22 seconds run as she prepares to compete on the grandest platform of them all next month. Muir, who took home a silver medal in Tokyo in 2021, is aware that it won’t mean much when the gun goes off.
With gold in Rio and Tokyo, world record holder Faith Kipyegon is leading a field that appears to be stronger than ever as she attempts a historic triple. And Muir is certain that it will take something really extraordinary for her to return to the Olympic podium after winning an incredible silver medal three years prior.
Appropriately, she’s returning to compete in her final competitive event before the Olympics begin in only three weeks on Sunday, this time across the city in the Charléty Stadium. Kipyegon, who was there at that Diamond League meeting in 2016, will also be present today. “It’s unfortunate that it’s not at the Stade De France, but it’s in the same city,” Muir continued. It will be pleasant if everything goes as planned. It will be a competitive race that is both quick and enjoyable.
“I’ve run at the Stade De France previously, and I think I own the stadium record from 2016, when I ran a 3:55.22 to win the Diamond League there just after Rio. If that’s still the case, it would be awesome, but I’m not sure if it will be by next month!
“I haven’t run there in a long time. It will be interesting to see, and since I’m traveling to Paris a little early before the race, I’ll definitely drop by to take in a viewing of one of those sessions.
Although Muir may not have been certain, Record Sport has verified that the record is still in place. For the Dundee Hawkhill Harriers star, the goal now is to attempt and make more enduring memories in the French city. She parted ways with longtime coach Andy Young more than a year ago and hooked up with Manchester-based Steve Vernon. Muir is certain that she has never been in better form at this point in the season, even if she acknowledged she “did everything wrong” as she crossed the finish line in second place at the British Championships last week to guarantee her berth in Paris.
“I’d say so, absolutely,” she responded. When the training changes and I lose that point of comparison, it might be difficult to discern. However, I’ve been rather pleased with the work I’ve been doing. I’ve been training and I’ve been running 400-meter personal bests.
“I’ve worked hard to strengthen my aerobic base and my speed is in a good location, so it’s looking good.” I’m extremely pleased with how things are going since I feel great and am in a really strong position.
The focus during the upcoming weeks will be on honing. Since we’ve done a lot of basework, I’m in great shape. My speed is at its highest point ever, but we still need to put in that extra level of preparation for the race. I’m rather pleased with it. Though I know I didn’t race it very well strategically, it’s upsetting that I didn’t show it (at the British Champs). I know it’s all there.
Muir understands that a podium finish is attainable. But regardless of how formidable the field is, she would never rule out the possibility of winning first place. According to world records, it’s a little challenging, but anything may happen when running 1500 meters. You never know until you cross that finish line, so I’m just going to go out there and give it my all.
Leave a Reply