New team, new challenge
In May 2024, the Albert Schweitzer high school in Mulhouse won the French UNSS 3×3 basketball championships. An incredible performance which allows the establishment to qualify for the French team for the Gymnasiades. As the competition does not take place in the same school year, three out of four players leave the team, having graduated from the baccalaureate.
“A new group has formed”
explains Thierry Schirmann, PE teacher. He continues: “Only the current captain, Thylan Ounchith-Alvarez, was present in Aubenas during the Championships. Arthur Billard, Victor Kling and Cameron Musikelo joined the collective. Unlike the previous team, the students do not train in the same club. With the support of their coach, Arthur Buttner, they had to find their feet to form a united group.”
The 2024 gymnasiums
The 2024 edition of the Gymnasiades was held from October 25 to 30 in Manama, capital of Bahrain, a country located in the Middle East. Thylan, Arthur, Victor and Cameron joined the French delegation, made up of more than 90 high school students from all over France.
“This competition takes place every four years”
specifies Thierry Schirmann. He adds: “It is equivalent to a school Olympic Games and brings together 39 teams from 24 different nations. It’s a source of pride for these young people to have had the opportunity to experience such an event!”
A major challenge
When they arrived in Manama, the Mulhouse residents discovered a completely different climate, humid and hot. Accustomed to playing indoor matches, players must exert physical effort in direct sunlight, in temperatures above 35 degrees.
“The mind and good hydration made the difference”
explains Thylan, team captain. He continues: “During the group stages, my teammates and I face Saudi Arabia, Oman, Romania, Nepal, Algeria and India. The build of our opponents is more imposing, but we don't give up and finish 2e. This ranking allows us to qualify in 8e of final. We are unfortunately eliminated at this stage of the competition against Nigeria. This experience was very enriching and allowed us to better identify our weaknesses and strengths. We are currently preparing for the next French Championships.”
Published Friday November 15, 2024 at 8:00 a.m.
