Written by Trackandmemes, March 14, 2023
A one-second improvement in the 400m, Emma Broze did it in her indoor debut this winter, sprinting the double lap in 56''71.
She made her first strides at the RIWA (Athletic Club of Rixensart) at the age of 6, on 800m, up to the junior 2 category, but it's now been 4 years since her blossoming, on 400m.
Now 22 years old, she has chosen to study sports coaching at Parnasse in Brussels.
What are you studying at the moment?
My coaching studies consist of coaching people in the sports world, whether it be in group or personal classes. I like what I am learning because I am passionate about sports. And I would also like to improve the living conditions of some people, in terms of their health and their life expectancy. I want to be able to pass on what sport has taught me, and what it still teaches me on a daily basis. I think that sport is very interesting in the field of health, and that it is more useful than medication.
You broke your records in all three disciplines. What stands out for you in your winter progress?
During this indoor season, I had the opportunity to break my records in all four sprint disciplines. So on the 60m, 200m, 300m and 400m. I worked a bit more on my resistance this year, which allowed me to break down less at the end of the race. But what really stood out for me was my first 400m. I started fast and I really thought I was going to crack, but in the end I beat my personal best by more than a second! Emotionally, this is huge. I knew I had good legs, but I still had to make that time real.
You seem to be well followed... How is it going with your coach, Olivier ?
I have been training for 6 years now with Olivier Mairesse. It has given me a lot of speed and strength. Without this change, I probably wouldn't have done the times I did this season. It has allowed me to evolve and grow, to have a constant progression since I started the 400m.
I am also lucky to have two people in my training group that I can always count on. They are there to support me or encourage me when needed.
But also my parents and my family, who are there to support me and help me to progress.
I am grateful to be where I am right now. I hope I can continue to grow.
Do you have an inspiration in sports, a role model who keeps you motivated?
My sport inspiration is Cynthia BolingoI am inspired by her for the way she reacts to adversity, and the way she works every day to always progress despite the trials of life. But if she inspires me, it is also because she is a great athlete, who even after several months of injuries, can come back and break the Belgian record. It shows that with determination, willpower and hard work, it is not impossible.
It makes me want to always fight, even in difficult times when the results are not always there.
And be part of the Belgian Cheetahs, one day. Is it a dream or a project to be implemented?
Of course being part of the Belgian Cheetahs is a dream. It is surely the dream of many athletes from a certain level, and especially when you invest so much.
For me, I think that would be a project to put in place as well. Being able to reach this level makes me want to, and I'm ready to put things in place to be able to do it. Even if it won't be easy. I want to try my luck and give myself this opportunity.
Belgium's record holder in the 400m, Cynthia Bolingo, often says "If you put your mind to it you can do anything". What do you think about it?
I saw Cynthia's quote a lot. And indeed, I agree with her. I think that no matter what you do, if you put your mind to it and your desire, you can go far. You can break through barriers that many would have thought impossible. I think that the mind is the most important thing for an athlete, because if you don't put your mind to it, it's your head that blocks you, more than your own abilities.
And your summer season, how do you envision it?
For my summer season, I will stay with the same style of preparation. Staying on six trainings per week, increasing the speed and decreasing the volume. There will also be a training camp during the first week of April, to perfect my outdoor season in the best possible conditions.
Would you tell us your biggest dream for this summer, in terms of performance and/or fulfillment?
My biggest dream would be to run around 55''5, 55''4 seconds in the 400m. And why not reach a final at the Belgian All Categories Championships? I know that the level of the women's 400m is getting higher and higher. But I think I would already be fully satisfied with the time. The final would really be an extraordinary bonus!
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