Patience and discipline at the heart of Thomas Laviolette's journey with the Carabins

Thomas Laviolette has wrapped up his university career knowing for a fact that he left it all on the track. 

A middle-distance specialist in track and field and cross-country at Université de Montréal, he competed at the U SPORTS level for five years, focusing on a simple approach: improving, competing, and performing when it mattered most.

“It’s my last year, so I’m going all in. I’m not running to finish second,” he said at the start of the season. 

Laviolette didn't rise to the top overnight. He was introduced to cross-country as a teenager and gradually worked his way up through consistent effort.

“Maybe it was a dream that didn’t seem attainable at first, but the more I progressed, the more it became a dream that then became a bit more of a reality,” he says.

This slow but sustained progression became a strength. It helped him mature in his last few seasons, with a better understanding of his body, his training, and the competition.

For Laviolette, track and field boils down to a simple equation: hard work leads to results.

“It’s a sport where you reap the rewards when you put in the work, your current fitness level is directly related to how disciplined you are,” he says.

Competing in events ranging from the 1500 m to the 5000 m, he has learned to adapt his training to the specific demands of each discipline. In cross-country, endurance is key, with distances of up to 10 km. On the track, speed becomes essential.

“In cross-country, there’s a more aerobic component… on the track, you need speed,” he explains. 

In a highly competitive university circuit, Laviolette knew that results often come down to a single race.

“There are a lot of really great athletes, but you have to perform on championship day,” he says.

Rather than focusing solely on times, especially in cross-country, where the course can vary, he learned to prioritize placements and strategic execution.

His goal was clear: make the podium and compete with the best in the country.

Beyond the physical aspect, Laviolette has undergone a significant mental transformation. With experience, he has learned to better manage the pressure of competition.

“I’ve learned to let go of some of that stress… and keep the stress that helps me perform,” he explains.

This shift allowed him to approach his races with a broader perspective, focusing on progress rather than a single result.

“When you put all the pressure on a single competition, it’s hard to perform,” he adds.

As his college career ended, Laviolette had one priority: to finish every race with no regrets.

This philosophy translated into a bold approach, where taking risks is an integral part of the strategy.

“Racing is a bit of a gamble; if you’re having a good day, it’ll pay off,” he explains.

Even in an individual sport, Laviolette emphasizes the importance of the team environment.

“We train as a team, we compete as a team,” he reminds us.

His training group, the support of his teammates, and the quality of the Université de Montréal program have all contributed to his development and consistency.

Looking back, Laviolette highlights two key things for young athletes to focus on, patience and enjoyment.

In his view, sustainable progress starts with a positive environment and intrinsic motivation.

As he leaves the university circuit, Thomas Laviolette does so with the certainty that he has maximized his potential.

“For me, it’s about achieving my goals when I reach them,” he says. “That’s what success is for me.”