Written by Trackandmemes, May 27, 2021
I have been running the 400m since junior 1. I started track and field at a young age, so I had the opportunity to do different disciplines before specializing in the 400m. In fact, there was one person missing from the 4x400m team at the interclubs. So I found myself in the team and in the end, the race went well and I liked it. As far as my schooling is concerned, I am studying at the University of Applied Sciences, in management of sports organizations, in STAPS. Athletics and my studies are two things that are very important to me, so I try to make both work.
You recently did the world relay for the french team on 4x400m. How was that experience?
I am happy to have lived this experience. This is my third selection for the French A team. I am happy to have been able to run again. The first time was in Glasgow, then I went to Doha where I didn't race, so I'm glad they gave me the opportunity to race. The conditions were a bit complicated, but we will remember that the 4x400m relay is qualified for the Olympic Games in Tokyo. It was also a great social experience because there was a good understanding with the girls.
What is the 400m?
I would define this discipline as the ability to manage the aerobic aspect, so the fact of knowing how to hold an effort for a long time, while adding speed. So being able to go fast for a long time. The 400m is considered to be a long sprint, and in my opinion, it is one of the most difficult races. It's not the only one, but it's still one of the hardest races.
Your discipline is one of the most feared disciplines in athletics. How do you manage not to focus on the pain?
I didn't have a choice 🤣. Physiologically, the 400m is one of the races that suits me best. But I also think that in athletics, pain is everywhere. Whether you're doing 100m, 200m, or 400m, you're bound to be in pain at some point. The question is not about "how not to focus" but about "accepting" the pain. It's not something that can be taken for granted, it's something I work on every day.
And when we talk about physical pain, we often hear about lactic acid. What a pain... How would you define this feeling to those who do not practice this sport?
On the one hand it is painful, but on the other hand, you feel a certain pleasure. A pleasure linked to the fact that you have finished the race, the session, and you almost want to start again. During training, after a big lactic session, you sometimes lie on the ground moving in all directions because you don't know how to make the pain go away. Lactic is something you have to live with.
But in the end, why did you choose this discipline?
I had time to experience a lot of things in this sport. And as said before, I met this distance during the interclubs. I didn't know what I was getting into yet. But it's worth it. There are also decisions that you don't really choose. You do it because it's physiological. Some people are good at 100m, some people are great at 400m or 800m’ it depends. But when you want to work, it works, I think.
What would you advise to an athlete who would like to start this distance but is a little afraid of the physical pain?
Track and field is a super thankless sport and requires a lot of effort, no matter the level. So I would say that when you do this sport, you have to be consistent with your choices. If you have a dream, work hard and one day you will get where you want to be. You can't be afraid. Fear is what stops you from reaching your goal. You have to work hard and not be afraid.
There are spikes for both short and long sprints. Do you use the same pair of spikes regardless of the length of the sprint?
Personally, I have three pairs of spikes. One pair I reserve for the competition. In that case, I will put them back in training three days before the race to get used to them for the big day. Then I have my training spikes; one for short sprints and another for longer sessions, so half-distance spikes.
What is your craziest goal?
I would like to go to the Olympic Games. But if I dream of something, it's more in a timing aspect. I would like to remember my time all my life. The day I stop athletics, I would like to have done a time that will make me really proud.
Do you have other passions?
Yes, I have many different passions. I like to love and eat. I like to sleep and I love music. The truth is, nobody knows it, but I love to sing. It is my passion. I would like to take singing lessons... I would like to improve on it, one day...
Also, I really like everything professional. I enjoy my studies very much. Once I am fully into my professional life, I hope to have as great of a feeling as I have in athletics.
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