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Méréva Balin
Published on
Nov. 27, 2024 at 1:16 p.m.
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It was her first visit to Richebourg (Yvelines), where she was boarder for nine years at the Mallet Foundation, since his coronation during the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in boccia (a bowling sport related to pétanque: Editor's note). Aurélie Aubert made her comeback on November 26, 2024 to the delight of those who were able to meet her at the time.
“I have been in great demand since my title but I prioritize my training,” she assures. I agreed to come because it was here that I discovered boccia, it's a just a return of things. »
Accompanied by two former employees of the Mallet Foundation
Some have made hundreds of kilometers to come and greet the Paralympic champion and Marie-Pierre Leblanc, her French team coach and former employee of the site.
Claudine Llop, today Aurélie Aubert's personal coach, has spent her entire career within the institution as a nurse. “I call him my Swiss army knife because it gives me everything I need in competition, informs the champion. She sees the high-level athlete before the person in a wheelchair. »
Facing college students
In the gymnasium of the medical-educational institute, two classes from the Orgerus and Houdan colleges face them. Everyone came to see the first gold medal to the Paralympic champion's list that she proudly wears around her neck. “She’s magnificent,” one of the students raves.
Questions abound from the students. “When did you realize you had won? », asks one of them. “Three days later, once the team competition is over,” replies Aurélie Aubert. Arriving at Club France, the 4,000 people who came for me and the shower of golden confetti allowed me to realize what I had done. »
Another great moment: the presentation of the Legion of Honorafter the “parade of champions” on the Champs-Élysées by Emmanuel Macron.
“I was so impressed that it was the president himself that I remember very little. I was very stressed, I was especially afraid of running over his feet. »
Return to an unexpected coronation
The athlete admits to having watched his final in replay for “ understand the error which almost cost me the title. »
When asked about the qualities and faults of her player, Claudine Llop answers with a smile: “She doesn't always listen to advice. »
“Aurélie is the type of person who always says no first. You have to convince her every time. »
As for this famous medal to which “ only Claudine and Marie-Pierre believed », says the champion.
Los Angeles is still far away
Far from planning on the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles (United States), Aurélie Aubert is firstly focusing on the French championships boccia events which will take place next January.
She explains that she trains 11 hours a week spread over two days and does rehabilitation the rest of the time in order to maintain her level.
“I live, I sleep and I eat boccia. »
Asked about the progress of her partnership project with the Kinder brand, the one it took convince with chocolatesto learn about his discipline replies that discussions are ongoing.
“We were supposed to see each other last Thursday but impossible because of the snow,” she explains, a little disappointed at not having been able to ask for an Advent calendar.
Nothing better than a champion to emulate
It's time to try boccia. After observing a meeting between Aurélie Aubert and Marine, resident on the Richebourg site for four years, won hands down by the former, the college students rush tochain games in teams. “It gives me ideas,” assures one of the teachers.
“I discovered a relaxing activity where strategy is of great importance. »
In the role of team captain, Aurélie Aubert is not stingy with advice. “There, you see, there is a gap between the red and the white,try to place yourself there», she tells a teammate.
On a second court, the players direct their throws using a ramp, positioned by the assistant. A role that some middle school students take on with timidity at first. “It’s actually hard,” comments one of them.
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