Having had both arms amputated following an electrical accident, nicknamed “the man who became a dolphin” by his Corsican footballer friend Pascal Olmeta, Thierry Corbalan, high-level sportsman, speaker and author, presents a list of six French championship titles and comes to win two bronze medals at the world championships (Master 4) in monofin swimming. With performances achieved against able-bodied people.
At the heart of the meeting with business leaders this Thursday, November 14, at 8:30 p.m., Félix-Arnaudin room: joie de vivre, surpassing oneself and resilience.
Where did you draw the energy that allowed you to rebuild yourself after your accident?
I have always played sports. This constant desire to go further helped me a lot. It was essential, as was my family. My wife and my two daughters. And then I had to have within me this determination to go beyond the limits. It was thirty-six years ago, but I remember picking up weight training in my hospital bed. At the time, my favorite sport was running. And without the arms I improved my performance, until I ran a marathon in three hours and four minutes.
“I want to show that anything is possible. You must not let go of anything”
Do you ever want to go back?
For nothing in the world. I prefer my current life. Today, having knee problems, I swim. In addition to the championships, I set myself 14 challenges, the last of which in 2020: crossing the Mediterranean, from Calvi, in Corsica, where I lived for a long time, to Mandelieu-la-Napoule (Alpes-Maritimes), where I I had my accident. Six days at ten hours of swimming per day.
Have you ever felt like giving up?
Never. Twice I had to stop a challenge, but it was because of the weather. Sports taught me to fight and endure pain. For me, failure is just an experience that allows you to bounce back.
Five months after discovering surfing in the Landes, Thierry Corbalan became French parasurfing champion.
Archives Isabelle Chambon
How did you come up with the idea of sharing your experience through books and conferences?
My first swimming challenge was crossing the bay of Ajaccio. The first year I finished eighth. The second, first. Frank Bruno, from the Bout de vie association, suggested that I cross Bonifacio. It was a way of (re)giving hope to the amputees he cared for. And, considering it was inspiring for everyone, he encouraged me to share my journey.
Do you think you are an inspiring role model, especially for entrepreneurs?
I hope so. I don't have any extraordinary abilities. My results are the fruit of work. I want to show that everything is possible. You must not let go of anything. And I think that's true across the board.
After Corsica, why did you choose to settle in the Landes?
I often came there on vacation. For conferences, it saves me having to take the boat. Today I am a member of the Pau monofin club and I train at Aquae, the Grand Dax aquatic center, with Sébastien Billon, the pool manager, who has allowed me to progress further.
(1) Free conference for members. 20 euros for non-members.
