Louise Maraval (Entente Sèvre) perfectly negotiated her 400m hurdles semi-final, Tuesday June 10, at the European Championships in Rome. The Vendée not only won her race, but she also improved her personal best, in 54”36. The second best French performer in history over this distance will compete in her first senior European championship final on Wednesday June 11, at only 22 years old. And can aim for a medal.
Louise, victory and personal best for you as soon as you entered the 400m hurdles, what are your impressions after this performance?
I was really going to win. That was the goal, to win the semi-final to give myself confidence, to not have any pressure, so it’s a very good thing. I knew there would be confrontation, and that, as a result, the time could be good. It’s a very good thing, I’m happy.
READ ALSO. Romain Mornet (AC La Roche-sur-Yon) in the 1500m final: “Regret nothing”
What are your ambitions for the final?
Obviously, I will aim for the podium. Afterwards, you have to be realistic, there is someone a little above, we are not going to lie to each other. But behind, there are places to find. I’m going to give it my all, have fun, that’s how I work. I’ll try to get something from the fight.
The athlete above you are talking about is the Dutch Femke Bol. What can you say about her?
I admire it, frankly. She is very pretty to watch running. It’s beautiful, what she does. We feel that it is under control. She is an athlete that I like to watch. For the moment, she is a little above, but we will have to continue working.
