Geneva could count on a record delegation in Paris. Among these athletes, kayaker Martin Dougoud has great ambitions after winning the Kayak Cross World Cup two weeks ago. Meeting in Paris, where he has set down his suitcases for three weeks to prepare for his deadlines.
General rehearsal in Vaires-sur-Marnes. It is here, 30 km from Paris, that in 29 days Martin Dougoud will set off for his 2nd Olympic Games. The stands are installed, the last details finalized…the excitement is starting to build.
“It excites me a little bit anyway. Big race, lots of people, it’s going to be screaming, it’s going to be beautiful” exclaims Martin Dougoud. “I’m the only representative in Switzerland in kayak slalom and kayak cross. It’s a good pressure. I’m looking forward to all of that. It’s going to be a great celebration of sport” continues the Genevan.
Hypnosis to win
A race that he has been preparing for calmly in Paris for a week. After a disappointing 13th place in Tokyo, the Genevan has changed his approach to the competition: to have fun above all.
“In the end, I didn’t have the right goal,” explains the kayaker. Now, he puts his pleasure before the result. “I’m not going to think about winning the Games. I tell myself that, I don’t care. I want to go boating, be on the water, see the public and then we’ll see,” laughs Martin Dougoud.
