At the Paralympic Games in Paris this summer, Nathalie Benoit won the 3rd Olympic medal of her career and the 18th for the French delegation. Today, another Nathalie, Nathalie Simon, is going to Marseille to meet this champion like no other, both passionate and inspiring…
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A true sportswoman at heart, when Nathalie Benoit discovered that she had multiple sclerosis, she did not stop her activities, quite the contrary. Thanks to rowing, she was able to cope with her illness and transformed it into real strength to become, to this day, a three-time Olympic champion.
When you are athletic, doing an activity is very important for morale and physically, I have seen big differences. Rowing is almost a fun rehabilitation. We gain balance, strength, coordination.
Nathalie BenoitTriple Olympic medalist
Team training that allows you to create great friendships.
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© Amda Production
As with many Paralympic sports, para rowing is divided into three categories. Nathalie Benoit is part of the PR1, which includes all people who cannot row with their lower body, who can use their back and upper body a little. His boat has a fixed seat with a backrest and a mandatory belly strap. Floats are also present around the boat to prevent athletes from drowning if the boat overturns.
Very specific equipment for boats adapted to different physical disabilities.
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© Amda Production
The two Nathalies go to the Rowing Club, at the entrance to the Old Port of Marseille, to discover the underside of training. Athletes have the chance to sail in three distinct basins: the Old Port, the autonomous port and the harbor of Marseille.
Time for training and what could be more logical than a rower to learn to row? Technical skills, concentration and cardio are then necessary to perform in rowing. Before the real situation on the shores of the Mediterranean, Nathalie Simon tests the rowing tank, an indoor installation which identically reproduces movements on the water.
Nathalie Simon listens attentively to the advice of Célia Maman, trainer at the Marseille Rowing Club.
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© Amda Production
If rowing made Nathalie Benoit a champion, sport is an ally on a daily basis for many people with disabilities, in particular thanks to the L’Avi Sourire association. Created by Dominique Guende, a good rower who worked in intensive care, the club offers to introduce sports and in particular rowing, to everyone. From initiation to competition, L’Avi Sourire organizes sea trips, discovery days and offers support to high-level athletes.
Rowing, an escape sport intended for all audiences.
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© Amda Production
For Dominique Guende, rowing is a way to forget one’s disability, particularly mental, and to promote the integration of this type of disability in all sports. For example, there are only three Olympic sports that include mental disability categories.
The French rowing federation is particularly committed to the sporting inclusion of people with disabilities. It organizes competition days where all athletes come together.
Wow! : para rowing with Nathalie Benoit
To see on france.tv
Or Sunday October 6 at 12.55 on France 3 Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Presented by Nathalie Simon
Directed by Nicolas Mastras
