The lights of the major summer sports competitions are off. The opportunity for Jean-François Lenvain and Lola Mansour to debrief the period, in the company of athletes, during the signing session of their book “Portraits of Champions”. A book which illustrates that behind the medals and the performances, there is above all long-term work that goes on behind the scenes, explains Jean-François Lenvain.
This book is the fruit of 4 years of supporting around thirty Belgian athletes. Most did not perform at the “light” level. But I know them. They have all reached the end of their development. I always have this frustration that we only look at them by the results.
Among the athletes present during the session, Louviérois table tennis player Marc Ledoux has vivid memories of the Paris Paralympic Games. The crowds and the constant support of the public, the solidarity of Team Belgium. A reward, commensurate with the efforts made upstream.
The work put in before an event is more difficult than the event itself. Qualifying is getting more and more difficult. It’s important to explain this to the public.
Particularly busy season also for para triathlete Wim De Paepe who, after a fifth place at the Paris games, has just won a bronze medal at the European Championship in the discipline, before participating in the world championship on October 18. A series of competitions which involves tailor-made supervision.
Over the years, I realize that it is essential to train with competent people. You have to surround yourself with these people to perform.
Talking about sport, yes, but in another facet, that is the goal of “Portraits of Champions” and the encounters that the book sparks. To go beyond the visible part of the iceberg.
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