Article from CKM | Translation to English by Nicolas Scianimanico | Proofreader: Katie Ellis

Vincent Olla : «It was a great World championship in terms of the quality and organisation of the event and the course (the equipment has been entirely refurbished this year). We were worried about the logistics, the transport of boats and the transport there, but the Russians handled it really well.»

CKM : What is your view on the French team results?

Vincent Olla : «Firstly, the main goal was to allow every athlete to be able to perform to their potential and achieve their best result. When we examined the results more closely, there were a few disappointments, particularly for our K4 Women, the C1 200m and especially the K2 1000m whose race was brought forward 5 minutes while they were warming up. On the other hand, it is great for Cyrille who managed to get closer to the podium and get the bronze medal in 5000m. One of the greatest achievements is, of course, the K2 200m with Maxime and Sébastien. This medal was achieved with daily hard work, attention to detail and insight (race strategy, technique…) with their coach François During.”

When we look at Sarah and the C2 1000m (Bart/Beugnet), they continue to make progress in the international standings. It’s worth mentioning that Sarah was the youngest paddler in the final where she finished 5th. Finally, for Mathieu Goubel, he gave it everything and accepted his current level. He now knows what he needs to focus on to get back among the world’s best paddlers. After the event he said
“It is a respectable result but it isn’t enough for me, some athletes are happy to get close to the podium but I expect more!”

CKM : Is there a risk not taking young athletes in the team to train them anticipating the “old ones” retiring ?

Vincent Olla : “The staff and I only want to select boats that have the potential of making a final and of forming a successful team. The next wave of paddlers need to have a high quality training plan, high expectations and a paddling centred life-style, which does not however mean withdrawing them from the rest of the world entirely! The ideal combination is combining all these factors: the athlete knowing his motivations for paddling, being totally committed and demanding the best of himself.”

The French team has come back to France for some well-earned rest, apart from Cyrille Carré who is preparing for the next Marathon World Championship in the U.S at the end of September.

For all Moscow 2014 results visit: www.sportscene.tv/flatwater/canoe-sprint/result-archive