Written by Trackandmemes, May 8, 2021
I started athletics when I was 12 years old. I got injured very quickly so I stopped and started again at the age of 14. I started with the sprint before specializing in the triple jump at the age of 16.
Tu es norvégienne mais tu t’es entraînée en Belgique. Comment s’est déroulé ton parcours ?
In Belgium, it was a bit complicated because I didn't know the Belgian system. I started with the Forestoise which is a club in Brussels. I stayed there for one year and then I changed to train at the Excelsior which is another club in Brussels. I felt the need to train more intensively during the winter season, which was not the case. Unfortunately, when the competitions started they did not go well. I got injured. I changed my coach again but he was training sprinters and I am specialized in jumping, so I could not practice my discipline fully.
Quelles sont les avantages et les inconvénients de ton expériences ?
The disadvantages were, first of all, the level of the trainings which for me was quite low. Secondly, in Norway it is quite normal to train with several coaches but in Belgium the system is different so it was a bit complicated. When I chose a coach, he told me that if I trained with him, I could not train with another coach, but in Norway it is possible. I also think that it's a pity that in Belgium there are several small groups that form within the same group. Probably because the group has a large number of athletes, but this can quickly create tensions. In Norway the groups are smaller. On the plus side, I'm glad I was able to attend the Van Damme Memorial because here in my country there are not many international competitions. In fact, I had the opportunity to participate in two or three international competitions.
Tu as déjà exprimé le fait que vivre en norvège en tant que noire, ce n’est pas facile. Comment ça se passe au niveau de tes entraînements à ce niveau là ?
I am currently on a new team. I was the only black person in my old group but now even my coach is black so it's better. But it's still different from Belgium because I remember that in Belgium, a good majority of the athletes are black. It's not the same atmosphere because the attitude is different, and that's also what I really liked about Belgium. There are more black people than here in Norway. When I'm in training, my priority is to train but it's important to feel good and integrated in your surroundings, even in the mental preparation.
Tu vises quoi en ce moment, niveau performance et championnat ?
Last year I got the third place at the Norwegian championship in all categories. This year there was no indoor championship because of Covid, but I would like to qualify for the European U23 Championships in triple jump. I am also capable of getting a medal at the Norwegian championship in August. A second place, I think.
Mais du coup, en Suisse, comment fais-tu pour combiner tes études avec ton sport afin de progresser en vu d’augmenter ton niveau ?
At the moment, and as in Belgium, classes are given via internet because of the Coronavirus. In a few months, I will move closer to where I train so it will be easier to manage my classes and my sports preparation. I train six times a week and a training session lasts more or less 3 hours.
Le confinement a-t-il chamboulé ta préparation ? Comment as-tu fait pour gérer tes entraînements ?
The confinement did not disturb my preparation, which is amazing. I know that in Belgium people with the same level as me had no access to any infrastructure or competition, but in Norway I am one of those who have priority. Yes, in Norway only the elite have access to the infrastructure but it's not difficult to be elite. If you qualify for the Norwegian championships you are already an elite.
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