Attending to know Marc-Antoine Olivier
Following his 10km bronze medal on the 2016 Olympic Video games in Rio, Marc-Antoine Olivier confirmed that he is likely one of the greatest open water swimmers by profitable the 5km world title this summer season in Budapest. How did he get there? Let’s discover out!
When did you begin open water swimming and why?
After I was 15 years outdated, I went to Rouen. Since I used to be long-distance swimmer, my coach, Eric Boissiere, signed me up for a leg within the French championships. A couple of months later, I used to be a double French and European open water swimming champion.
What do you want about open water swimming?
Open water swimming could be very completely different from swimming in a pool, and that’s what I like about it. Open water swimming is sort of a recreation of chess. The difficulties come from the number of venues (river, lake, sea…), the climate, water temperature, and the presence of waves and currents.
What are the qualities of an open water swimmer?
I suppose, initially, you should be long-distance swimmer, however you must also be capable of dash.
You will need to adapt your technique in line with the race circumstances.
Your first worldwide medal was on the European Junior Championships, what are the primary variations between senior and junior races?
For the previous 2 years, the primary senior races led to a ultimate dash (European Championships, Olympic Video games, World Championships…). You want to be effectively positioned from the 5th kilometre onwards. Additionally, you are taking extra knocks in senior races (even when we have now numerous respect for one another).
What has modified for you because you received the gold medal on the Olympic Video games and the world title in Budapest?
The media (TV, radio, magazines…) are extra enthusiastic about me and my sport. 15 days in the past, an English TV channel got here to do a report on me. It was an ideal honour, as a result of additionally they did stories on Michael PHELPS, Ryan LOCHTE, Adam PEATY, Laszlo CSEH and Ashley ANDERSON. I used to be the primary French swimmer to be spotlighted. I may also be featured on France Natation and the FINA web site.
Do you favor to swim in lakes or the ocean?
I choose the ocean as a result of the races circumstances are tougher than in a lake. A lake is sort of a big swimming pool with flat water.
What number of hours/kilometres do you swim every day?
I swim about 5 hours-a-day and between 16-20 kilometres. I warm-up by swimming 2 x half-hour. I additionally do 3 weight coaching classes per week and 1 operating session.
What do you do beside swimming?
Beside swimming, I’ve a « regular » life, I’m going purchasing for meals, put together my meals for the week, clear my residence, do the laundry and spend time on my social media. I’m additionally concerned in some charitable work that I really like. In my free time, I get pleasure from taking part in on-line video games with my buddies.
What are your targets for 2018?
On the finish of 2017 I’ll participate within the Navy World Championships. Subsequent yr, I’d wish to defend my European titles within the pool and open water.
What advices would you give to a swimmer who desires to swim in open water?
- Be long-distance swimmer (800 and 1500m)
- Don’t be afraid of taking knocks throughout races
- Be strategist
