the essential
The French athlete has shared life with the same partner for several years. The young woman, with her proven sporting experience, constitutes a key element of her success.
“If I am what I am today, it’s thanks to the five years I just spent with Delphine.” The words of Kévin Mayer, in 2022 in Eugene (United States) shortly after winning his second decathlon world champion title.
He testified thus, in the columns of Dauphiné, of the capital importance of the one who has shared his life for several years now: Delphine Jariel. The 26-year-old young woman is from Hérault. She lives in Montpellier, where Kévin Mayer was trained in athletics and where he is still licensed.
Their love story began in 2016. And since 2022, Delphine Jariel has been the physiotherapist of her companion-champion. And for good reason, high-level sport, the physical demands, she knows that by heart.
Delphine Jariel is a former high-level windsurfer. Training within the CREPS in Montpellier, before the integration of the France center in Marseille. “I was then one of the five best French women in the discipline,” she says in a portrait for West France.
Barred by the competition, and the fact that the French selections for the Games are limited to a single athlete, she will never compete in the Olympics. This is how she turned to physiotherapy studies. “When I graduated, Kevin told me: ‘But it would be a real bonus in my career to have you every day.’ does she rewind to West France. “We mainly work on the recovery part, depending on your needs and feelings.”
Delphine Jariel even joined Kévin Mayer’s staff in 2022 in the United States. “A superb experience, which strengthened our work together, as well as our relationship. I was his physiotherapist, but also an emotional support. I have both hats, and it’s a real plus for both of us.”
