The term “pioneer in sport” isn’t often heard in modern-day athletics, but among Canadians, middle-distance specialist Charles Philibert-Thiboutot “CPT” is right up there with fellow Canadian record holders Moh Ahmed (5,000m/10,000m) and Cam Levins (the marathon and half-marathon). The 2025 World Athletics Championships will mark the end of his illustrious career on the track.
(This article has been updated, but first appeared in Canadian Running Magazine Volume 17, Issue 5.)
Philibert-Thiboutot has blazed a trail for the upcoming generation of Quebec distance runners like Jean-Simon Desgagnés, Jessy Lacourse and Thomas Fafard, showing what’s achievable when you harness every ounce of talent and determination from your own training environment.
Born and bred in Quebec City, Philibert-Thiboutot, a prodigious talent since high school, decided to remain rooted in his hometown, opting to pursue his collegiate athletic career at Université Laval rather than seeking NCAA opportunities south of the border. His journey representing Canada began at the U23 NACAC Championships in 2012, and since then, he has represented the red and white on the international stage on more than a dozen occasions.
September 14 could mark Philibert-Thiboutot’s final appearance in a Canadian singlet, competing in the heats of the men’s 1,500m—an occasion that will be fraught with emotion for the 34-year-old.
After making his Olympic debut at 25 in Rio 2016, Philibert-Thiboutot’s journey hasn’t been without injuries. “Over the past eight years, I’ve undergone significant growth,” Philibert-Thiboutot reflects. “Physically and mentally, I believe I’m a better athlete now. I’ve matured, my approach has evolved and I’m spending more time on recovery. It’s something I’ve cultivated over the last two years.
“In the early stages of your running career, it’s all about setting personal bests. But as you mature, your mindset shifts. It’s about enjoying the sport, relishing the competition and striving to outdo as many competitors as possible.”
Philibert-Thiboutot holds many Quebec men’s distance running provincial records from 1,000m to 10K outdoors—a testament to his legacy in the sport. Earlier this summer at the Canadian 10K Championships in Ottawa, Philibert-Thiboutot turned back the clock with a vintage performance, winning the national title in his championship debut while setting a Canadian record of 28:06.
He says his most cherished career memory was wearing the Team Canada singlet at the 2023 Pan-American Games in Chile, where he won the men’s 1,500m. “Standing atop the podium, hearing the Canadian national anthem, was a moment I’ll never forget,” he says. “For some athletes, it’s an elusive dream. I count myself fortunate to have experienced it.”
As for what lies beyond the track, Philibert-Thiboutot declines to get specific. “I’m optimistic there’ll be something waiting for me,” he says.
