Fourth in the 800m final this Thursday, after being 6th in the 400m and 5th in the 100m, the Frenchman was smiling after the latter at the Stade de France, at 53 years old.
At the Stade de France
Pierre, what are your feelings after this 4th place in the 800m final?
Pierre Fairbank : It was a nice 800m, and I was missing that little extra kilometre/hour to be able to stick to the top three. But I’ve been missing that since the start of the Games. Tactically, I was well placed. I was able to stay behind the Thai and I said to myself that if I could stay like that, it was perfect. But when it accelerated at the start of the last lap, I was dropped. I’m missing speed, which I haven’t had since the start. But I’m happy to have hung on to this 4e place. Happy to have experienced this last 800m at the Stade de France, it was a great experience. Besides, I enjoyed it with the public with a little extra lap. We should give a medal to those who do 1,200m (laughs).
At these Games, you started with a 6th place in the 400m, then a 5th in the 100m and finally this 4th place…
Yes, exactly, so I’m going to register for the marathon on Sunday (laughs). No, it’s a shame, even if I left with the Stade de France heart medal.
What is your assessment of these Games?
First of all, I did well to do these 7th Games (smile). The public was wonderful, the volunteers were extraordinary, the police were perfect. Bravo to the organization for the accommodation, the transport, the food… I found it perfect. I don’t want to compare it to other Games because they are all different, but these were exceptional. Bravo to France for having organized such beautiful Games.
What legacy do you think you will leave on the Paralympic level?
Oh, legacy, what a big word… I don’t think I’m leaving anything. I know I’ve won almost all the titles I wanted, except here. So, I’m happy with my career. Now, I hope it can motivate some young people who think that a medal is easier to lose than to win. It also gives hope to those who think that you’re too old at 30 or 35. At 30, people were already telling me that I had to stop, which would have been stupid. I did well to continue.
What advice would you give to young people?
To persevere, always. We don’t always get on the podium the first time, but we must not get discouraged. We must continue. Sometimes, victories are built on defeats. That’s what allows us to progress.
What’s next for you?
These are my last Games, which leaves me with a special feeling. That’s why I enjoyed this last lap to say goodbye. Afterwards, I’m going to do other races but Los Angeles is too far for me. But I felt a lot of emotions. Next year, there will be World Championships, I don’t know where, but it could be a great goal. I want to continue on my momentum, I’ve trained so much over the last two or three years that I want to ride this form. And I want to find that km/h that I’m missing (laughs).
