Rio profile: Luc Bruchet
Luc Bruchet is a 25 year old runner from Surrey, BC.
Event: 5000m
Career highlights: member of the senior national team at the 2013 World Cross Country Championships and the 2015 Pan Am Games.
How did you get your start in track & field?
I started back in Elementary. My mom and teacher agreed I had way too much energy, bordering on ADHD. They thought cross country would be a great outlet for the energy. It took off from there and progressed more seriously in the last two years of high school. I'm thankful they let me run instead of constant detention!
Most embarrassing sports moment?
My most embarrassing moment has to be from Provincials three years 2 year ago. The race shorts my sponsors gave me had quite a loose inner liner... I think I ran 780m of an 800m letting it…all hang out. I don't know about the other guys in the race, but the extra breeze down there made the 40 degree Kamloops heat more tolerable.
What would your spirit animal be and why?
Maybe a lion? Lions are known for being kings of the animal kingdom however I've watched some animal planets and they do a hell of a lot of laying around. Sounds a lot like a runners life, lying on the couch until we need to run or have to get to the fridge.
Who is your role model?
I don't think I have one particular role model in the traditional sense. As a younger athlete I went through phases of looking up to certain athletes. However as I've matured I began to realize that there are a handful of people I look up to, in the sense that they may have one or two traits that real resonate with me. And I try to apply all of them to myself as an athlete and as an individual.
Favourite spot on campus?
I always enjoyed watching the Men's basketball team. Basketball is one of my favourite sports to watch at any level.
Favourite Marek quote?
"You can do it!" - Marek (must be in thick Eastern European accent)
What’s the most money you’ve ever spent on late-night McDonald’s?
Maybe $30? I used to live with three rugby players, so late-night stops at McDonalds occurred often for a while. Though after FISU in 2013 we had a Maccas in the cafe and I abused that. It was free but I think I ate about 15 hash-browns.
Most food you’ve ever eaten in one sitting?
Hard to say what the most I've eaten in one sitting is. But I do believe I ate myself into a terrible race at my first Sundodger. 6 bowls of all you can eat pasta later, my stomach was not happy... Olive Garden why you gotta be like that!
Turning point in your career when you thought “I could be good at this?”
Final year at UBC when I won two races in a row at UW on the indoor track. I beat some great pros in the process while also running under 4 minutes in the mile.
What was your darkest moment as an athlete, and how did you get through it?
- I think the first few years at UBC was a dark period, I couldn't seem to put more than 6 months together without getting injured. Luckily my parents continued to support me, and I just kept my head in it and it all paid off.
Is there a nickname you want people to call you?
Prince Lucas. Though my mom and girlfriend already call me this facetiously
If you were to do a winter sport, which one would you do?
Long track speed skating. Seriously looking at the 2022 Olympics
Competing aside, what are you most looking forward to in Rio?
I think Rio will be a great opportunity to see other high level sports. We live and breathe our own sport 99% of the year and it will be great to take in some other events and see how hard other athletes have worked to get there. I also look forward to being a part of the Canadian team. I expect it to feel pretty special being a part of something so great.
