Join us for an exclusive Q&A with Kieran Lumb, Canadian middle- and long-distance runner, and one of the talented athletes featured in On’s new project, “On + Ben & Kieran World Domination.” Fresh from the Paris 2024 Olympics, Kieran opens up about his journey, the dedication behind becoming an Olympian, and the challenges that lie ahead. This special video series captures Kieran and teammate Ben Flanagan’s personal and professional experiences, showcasing the behind-the-scenes moments that make their paths remarkable. Dive into Kieran’s story as he reflects on what’s next and the drive fueling his journey. —Noa Nichol
How did it feel to represent Canada at the Paris 2024 Olympics, and what were your biggest takeaways from that experience?
Competing for Canada at the Olympics this past summer in Paris was an incredible experience. The energy in the city, the atmosphere of the stadium, and the event as a whole were truly unparalleled. One of my biggest takeaways from the experience was that, ultimately, it was just another race. You line up with the same competitors that you’ve raced many times before. Although the stakes are higher, once the gun goes off, you have to approach it the same way that got you to this point. While the Olympics is certainly a test of physical excellence, the mental and emotional component of competition is incredibly important.
The On + Ben & Kieran World Domination project offers a behind-the-scenes look at your journeys. What moments from the project resonated with you? How did On’s philosophy inspire the project?
Before this project, I had never done anything of this magnitude. One aspect I really appreciated was the commitment from On and the production team to keep everything authentic to who Ben and I are as individuals. Understandably, the public places a lot of emphasis on the Olympics itself. However, on the other side of that event, coming down from that high, reflecting, and asking ourselves, “What’s next?” is a big part of the athlete experience. It was pretty unique to center the project around showcasing that question, and it speaks to On’s commitment to supporting their athletes in a truly holistic way.
How do you stay motivated and focused during the time between major events like the Olympics and others?
As both a person and an athlete, I tend to work well with six- to twelve-month horizons. Global championships and the Olympics are at another level, but they’re not the only races that excite me or the only goals I have. Breaking things down into smaller, achievable steps and staying excited about the process rather than the outcome has really helped me stay focused and motivated.
What role has the community played in supporting your running career, both during and after the Olympics, and how has being part of the On team impacted your preparation and success?
Community is an enormous part of why I am where I am today and, in all likelihood, where I hope to be in four years’ time. It’s so incredibly important to surround yourself with people and a brand who share your vision for where you want to go. The multitude of family, friends, coaches, teammates, practitioners, and countless other key figures that I lean on are not only paramount to helping reach the peaks, but also in making things sustainable across the length of a career. The support from On has been unparalleled. One of the things I value most about On has been the family level of connection to the team at On, which supports me. Having one of the founders of the company text you after one of your races at the Olympics is certainly not common in the industry, and that connection to a brand that truly supports its athletes on and off the track is something that I cherish.
What advice would you give to young athletes who aspire to compete at the Olympic level, and what excites you most about the future of your running careers?
For younger aspiring athletes, I would really encourage them to seek out mentorship from athletes—or people in other fields—who are where they want to be. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and invest in yourself. Don’t make any goal impossible, and take it step by step. Making things sustainable across several seasons and having other pursuits in life, at least at certain times of the year, has helped me keep things in perspective. From where I’m standing right now, I’m enjoying learning how to get the most out of myself and the luxury of trying to be the very best in the world at something. The people, places, and experiences along the way are really what makes it.
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