For her fourth Olympics, after London, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo, Annaëlle Roulet wants to make the most of it. Training partner in Rennes of Yann Le Goff and Amazigh Yebba, 5th in the 4x200m freestyle final at the Olympic Games, the Vendéenne (28 years old) is aiming for more with this Parisian event.
Fifth in the 100m backstroke S10 in Tokyo in 2021, but above all double vice-world champion in 2017 and 2022 and adorned with bronze in 2023, the adopted Rennes native is finally hoping for a first Paralympic medal to end her career in the best possible way.
“These are the Games at home, it’s every athlete’s dream to compete in front of their family and friends. It’s just going to be crazy and exceptional to swim at home. I could say that my goal, since I’ve never had one at the Games, would be the medal, but no: I just want to have fun and reach the evening of my 100 backstroke final, being proud of myself. I’ve put everything in place to succeed. After that, the medal will be there or not,” she says.
Double vice-world champion
Bronze at the European Championships in Funchal (Madeira) last April, after having obtained the same metal in 2016 and 2018, the CPB Rennes swimmer swam in 1’09”30, improving her best time, and finishing very close to the Hungarian Pap (1’08”69) and the Dutch Kruger (1’09”19). This opens up real prospects for great Parisian joys for her, before closing the aquatic chapter.
“I have a 13-year career behind me: I’ve seen a bit of everything, experienced World Championships and European Championships with medals in the 100m backstroke, the 400m backstroke… You have to know when to stop. And, to finish like that in front of everyone, I couldn’t have dreamed of anything better… It’s also motivating,” smiles the one who feels supported by the strength of the CPB collective. For one last waltz, we’ll meet up this Friday, September 6, at 6:12 p.m. To prolong the pleasure. Once again.
