Zouhair Talbi, a junior, recorded a top time among the NAIA No. 1 marks in the 3,000 meters and 5,000 meters this season at the Boston University David Hemery Valentine Invitational on Saturday, Feb. 12, at the Boston University Track & Tennis Center.
In the 3,000 meters race, Talbi executed a split time of 7:53.66, ranking as the No. 1 time in the NAIA this season.
Talbi also stormed a record-breaking time in the 5,000 meters race at the invitational. He ran an unparalleled time of 13 minutes, 18.17 seconds, thereby ranking as the fastest time in the NAIA all-time event and eighth best time run by a college athlete.
Speaking with OCU’s Student Publications, Zouhair Talbi shares his training strategy, experience on the day of the meet, and his future expectations as an athlete.
How did you feel on the day of the event?
“I would say this season I had a good training with coach Frezer preparing for the indoor track. My opener was breaking the 4min barrier in the mile which gives me the motivation to chase fast times in long-distance since I specialize in distance events like 10k and 5k. Going to run the 5k in Boston I had some confidence in my speed. The meet was great, we had a pacer and top elite runners in this event which led to run a fast time and was my personal best that I am happy with. One week later I needed the qualifying time in 3,000m. My coach did (a) great job to find me a race with a very good field.”
How do you train for such insane times?
“I have trained for a long period of time. It has taken years for me to get to where I am today. And my goals keep me motivated to continue my training.”
How did you feel about the 3,000m and 5,000m race?
“Both the 3k and the 5k required a lot of speed. For me, the 5k was more difficult than the 3k because there were so many fast runners that kept the pace honest and fast.”
How do you feel about setting such a record?
“It feels great to have set these records. It’s a sign that everything that I’ve worked for has been worth it and is a good motivation for what (is) coming next.”
What are your next plans going forward as an athlete?
“Going forward I have the national championship in less than two weeks. And hopefully I will be selected to run the indoor world championships in Serbia in late March. The big goal for the year will be the world championships in July in Eugene, Oregon.”
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