Photo : Lilian Ménétrier
Licensed at Evreux Triathlon, Thomas Laurent and Martin Laurent sare well known in the world of Duathlon and Triathlon. One of their most loyal supporters is their mother Danièleaged 65 and who has been practicing triple effort for 15 years. We decided to put her in the spotlight in the following interview.
Danièle, could you introduce yourself?
I am 65 years old, married for ages with a husband who loves and practices sport. I have been retired for 4 years, I was an educator specializing in ITEP. Nicknamed Danelaure, I live in Cairon, a small town near Caen.
After giving birth to 4 children, I started athletics at the age of 40 after having done club swimming when I was young.
After going through the Caen Triathlon, I am currently licensed at Évreux Triathlon (competition license).
At the same time, I am licensed by the FFA (Caen Athletic-Club) and I participate in several championships (cross, 10 km, half-marathon, marathon, 100 km)
I also practice duathlon competitively. I took part several times in the French championships in this discipline.
Are you the mother of Thomas and Martin Laurent who shine in duathlon and triathlon? Was it you who made them want to practice triple effort?
It’s difficult to answer this question. However, I think that seeing his mother training to achieve sporting goals must have aroused in them the desire to practice sport at a high level (swimming, running and cycling)
My children have always played sports from a very young age. But the question should rather be asked of them.
How long have you been doing triathlon? How did you get into this sport? Have you played other sports previously?
I have been practicing the discipline for 15 years. I came there naturally. When I was young, I swam. Then I ran and then switched to cycling for fun. I find this sport very fun and less traumatic.
Have you always practiced discipline continuously? Do you know approximately how many tests you have under your belt?
I was forced to stop for 2 years for health reasons (breast cancer and back surgery). But I gradually and eagerly resumed training and competitions.
I haven’t counted all the events I participated in, but I would say approximately between 60 and 80 events
Have you traveled around the world to compete in triathlon competitions?
I didn’t have the audacity to go and practice abroad. I started competing late.
You are 65 years old. Have you changed your training since you started? What is your weekly volume?
If I compare my workouts from the beginning to those today, I notice that I put less intensity into them. I feel more of a need to recover between two sessions.
I am lucky not to get injured often because I adapt the effort according to the form (advantage of knowing oneself well and privilege of experience)
On average, I train between 15 and 18 hours per week (cycling, running, muscle strengthening and stretching) under the guidance of a coach.
Do you participate in competitions? If yes, which ones? What distances?
I mainly do duathlon. For several years, I have participated in the French championship in this discipline (S format). In 2024, I was crowned French champion in my age category.
What do you expect from the competitions?
The pleasure of sharing this effort in an intergenerational dimension. I am very satisfied when I manage to achieve my challenge of not finishing last and being first in my age group.
How long do you plan to continue playing sport?
I will continue as long as I enjoy training and my body can keep up.
What do you think of your sons’ 2024 season? Do you often go to encourage them at competitions?
I am extremely happy with their 2024 season. They work like crazy but in an intelligent way. And it pays off: their dreams come true. The year 2024 revealed Thomas (two medals at the duathlon world championship: bronze in the individual, gold in the 2 x 2 relay). In 2025, we will have to watch Martin closely.
Indeed, my husband and I are lucky to be able to follow them on their various challenges. We encourage and support them. We are delighted to see our children flourish through Triathlon and Duathlon.
