Written by Trackandmemes, June 24, 2021
My name is Earwyn Abdou and I am 22 years old. I am currently specializing in hammer and shot put. I started track and field because my father was also involved in track and field. I wanted to beat him. On television, I was watching Mélina Robert Michon, a French thrower who is part of my entourage. That motivated me to start track and field. From the age of 5 to 10, I tried a bit of everything in terms of disciplines, before starting throwing, a discipline in which I was pretty good. Well, the three disciplines because I threw the discus, the shot put and the hammer. I did the French championships where I managed to bring back a medal in each event, then I made my first selection in the French team in cadet 1 where I did the FOJE (Youth Olympic Festival). I made three other selections for the French team; the international match France-Germany-Italy in 2018, the world championships in 2018 and the European team cup in 2021.
Imagine yourself a few years ago. Could this boy you see in your picture now imagine that one day he would accomplish all that you have accomplished today?
I think so, because I have a father who is behind us a lot. He doesn't let us down. He pushes us to succeed. My father is a shot put coach and because he believes in us, we automatically believe in ourselves.
Shot put, discus, javelin and hammer ... I could see that you practice shot put and hammer. What makes these disciplines so different from others?
Javelin throw, I did once, but it's not for me 😂. I do discus from time to time, but not like I used to. The disciplines I do are, for me, different from the others, because my dad did shot put and hammer, so I figured it was up to me to pick up the torch.
In the same way that a 400m runner runs 500m in training, do you ever have to throw heavier during your preparation to be more comfortable in competition?
I do a lot of heavy lifting during my preparation, especially in winter. The hammer and the competition weight weigh 7,260kg, and in winter I often throw 8kg weights, 8 or 9kg hammers, even up to 15kg.
And in terms of weight training, what will you focus on?
Since my primary specialty is hammer, I will focus on lower body and explosiveness. I also do well with the upper body, because it is important to be strong.
Stereotypes, there are many. whether it's in everyday life or even in athletics. Look at this one... does it speak to you?
Yes, it's true that pitchers are always called fat, or lazy... There are other stereotypes, but I prefer to laugh at them, because these people won't do a third of what we do.
To this day, are the Olympic Games a dream or a goal for you?
When I was a kid, it was a dream. Now it's a goal.
You already know what success is. Especially in the eyes of the people you inspire. If you had to thank only two people today, who would you thank?
Only two people? That's tough 😂. I would have to say...my dad and Melina. Those are the two people that motivate me to achieve my goals. After that, there are also my parents who are always there for us.
A phrase or proverb that expresses your vision for your future goals?
I can accept failure. Everyone fails at something. But I would never accept that I didn't try.
English 
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