This Friday, December 20, 2024, the 35th Indian Ocean swimming meeting opens at the Chaudron swimming pool. Time to dive into the deep end for some of the biggest names in French swimming including Léon Marchand. The competition already promises to be for all athletes, a clever mix between the pleasure of swimming, sharing with the public and preparation for the rest of the season (Photos: sly/www.imazpress.com)
“Léon Marchand has arrived!” cries a child in the water, her eyes shining. Just a few hours before the start of Indian Ocean meetingall eyes were on the four-time Olympic champion. At 5 p.m. this Thursday, Léon Marchand took his first laps in the Moufia swimming pool in Saint-Denis, under the crackling of flashes.
Read also – Saint-Denis: eight Olympians present at the Indian Ocean meeting
But he wasn’t the only one attracting attention. While the national icon was getting his bearings in the pool, six other Olympic swimmers answered questions from journalists during the official press conference, in the presence of Ericka Bareigts, mayor of Saint-Denis.
– The Olympians can’t wait to share with the people of Reunion –
The captain of the French team, Damien Joly, used to this competition, sees this meeting as a great opportunity to test himself. “This is the fourth time I’ve come here. In the 50m pool, it’s perfect for assessing progress before the holiday break and enjoying it. My next goal: the French Championships in June, then the big world championships. pool in Singapore this summer.” Listen:
Clément Secchi, another swimmer who participated in the Olympic Games in Paris, has just returned from an internship in Budapest and is delighted with the warm welcome given to his team. “And to answer the question: yes, we like rougail sausage!” he jokes.
Read also – 34th Indian Ocean meeting: time to dive into the deep end
Pauline Mahieu, another rising star in French swimming, said she was touched by Reunion’s enthusiasm. “The setting here is magnificent, and it is important to me to inspire younger generations.” The 25-year-old swimmer is delighted to be able to share with the people of Reunion, after a busy Olympic season. She is already planning for the future, a few months after participating in the Olympic Games in Paris. Watch:
For his part, Léon Marchand announced some big news exclusively. The swimmer will go to Australia to train in January. “I plan to leave for two to three months. I’m going to try to see another culture, train with a new coach and then I’ll join Bob Bowman in Austin later this year.”
Read also – Léon Marchand will go to Australia for “two or three months” to train with a new coach and recharge his batteries
Léon Marchand wants to “see something else, surf, enjoy Australia”. He also plans to try other swims and distances, notably crawl. After the Olympic Games where he won everything, the young 22-year-old swimmer is looking for new challenges in order to avoid “getting tired”.
– A sold-out meeting –
The 35th Indian Ocean meeting promises to be a moment of sport and sharing, with high-level competitions bringing together swimmers from Reunion Island, France, Mauritius and Madagascar. The event is also a popular, sold-out party.
On Saturday, screens will be installed by the Saint-Denis town hall outside the swimming pool to allow those who wish to be as close as possible to the event. To follow the results and the performances of the champions, go to our site and to the official website of the meeting: Live FFN.
– A unifying event –
Ericka Bareigts wanted to recall the importance of this event for the town and the entire island. “We are very proud to host this 35th meeting, this year with Léon Marchand and other Olympians.” She highlighted the essential role of volunteers, educators and sponsors in making this competition a success.
Read also – Swimming: Léon Marchand in Reunion for the Indian Ocean meeting
The mayor also highlighted the symbolic nature of the Chaudron swimming pool, built in 1971 in a neighborhood marked by social challenges. “I myself swam here as a child. This place testifies to our ambition to break the odds. In Saint-Denis, even without a beach, we want to develop water culture.”
An ambition driven by figures: 2,800 Dionysian children learn to swim each year before entering 6th grade.
pb/www.imazpress.com / [email protected]
Swimming, Indian Ocean Meeting, Léon Marchand, Saint-Denis, Moufia swimming pool
