Born in Villeneuve-sur-Lot and trained within Aviron Villeneuvois from the age of 13, Thibaut Verhoeven never really cut ties with his favorite club. Even when he was a member of the Nancy rowing center, he regularly returned to train on the waters of the Lot. Today, he is back in a new role for him: that of coach.
“Coaching is not my job initially, but I have learned a lot through my experiences”he confides. Before diving into high-level sport, Verhoeven was a tiler by profession. A sporting career marked by multiple national and international titles, as well as a French record over 100 km on an ergometer, achieved during the health crisis.
From the America's Cup to Aviron Villeneuvois
His last sporting adventure dates back only a few months, during the qualifying regattas for the America's Cup in Barcelona. A member of the French team, he admits a slight disappointment at not having been able to go further in the competition. “We had little time to prepare properly against formidable opponents. It was a race against time, with significant technical challenges. But I learned a lot from this experience”confides the professional rower. Despite this frustration, the Villeneuvois sees this ordeal as a real lesson that he intends to apply in his new career. “There were 120 of us in the team, it was a very professional structure. This showed me the importance of cohesion and managing unforeseen events. These lessons will be useful to me in my role as a coach”he adds.
A four-year project
For Aviron Villeneuvois, the recruitment of Verhoeven is a godsend. Pascal Garcia, president of the club, does not hide his enthusiasm. “This is an incredible opportunity for us. Thibaut brings a new vision, that of a seasoned competitor. When he contacted me six months ago, I immediately knew he would be an asset to our future projects,” he rejoices.
The club, which experienced a drop in numbers during the health crisis, is now regaining positive momentum. With nearly 300 members last season, the team hopes to stabilize its ranks, or even attract more young talents. Verhoeven's role will be central in this rise to power. Initially, he will be responsible for training the cadets and will support Pierre Soïa, junior and senior coach. In the longer term, the idea is to lay the foundations for a new four-year cycle, with ambitious sporting objectives.
A long-term challenge
The transition between a career as an athlete and that of a trainer does not happen without some adjustments. “Learning to transmit, to see things from the coach’s perspective, is completely new to me”admits Verhoeven. But his determination is intact: “I want to share everything I have experienced and learned. Rowing is my sport, and this club is a big part of my life. »
For the club's young rowers, the presence of Thibaut Verhoeven is a real asset. “Seeing someone who participated in the Olympics and the America’s Cup can only motivate young people”underlines Pierre Soïa. With his skills, his notoriety and his enthusiasm, Thibaut Verhoeven seems to be the ideal person to support Aviron Villeneuvois in its next challenges.
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