Rowing is the passion sport of Amandine R, a 1st year student in Saint-Paul. Following other portraits of athletes among our high school students, here is that of Amandine who is a real champion.
Rowing, a recent but intense practice
Amandine has only been rowing for three years and it is already a passion for her. She gives her all for this sport. It all starts with kayaking. His older brother rows. Amandine tries, the coach notices her and it's the beginning of a great adventure. It is at the Rowing Club of Angoulême that she practices, just like Eliot whom we have already mentioned.
She has a huge preference for the sport. What does she like? The speed and that feeling of freedom when you're on the water; But also: family spirit, team spirit. It's a very physical sport and that's why, like other rowers, she loves it. Alone on the boat is to be confronted with oneself: you have to surpass yourself. Of course an important preparation is necessary: bodybuilding, running, ergometer, practice on the water … A wide variety of exercise is essential to have the potential.
From rowing club to competition
The end of January marks the time of the "France Championship" of the "European Indoor Championship". Three stages allow a classification: 500 meters, 2,000 meters and 2 x 150 meters relay. Amandine is France champion and European champion of the 500 meters (the Ukrainian candidate finished 2nd). In the 2,000 meters she is "vice-champion" of France and 3rd in Europe. The relay team is third in France: there is much to be proud of.
It is surprising to see that a "nautical" sport is also practiced indoors. Amandine still loves this practice. In fact, it is very different but facilitates power and requires a "big mind". His goal: to continue and move to the "B" team, i.e. "Europe". Amandine is indeed young and the "A" team (the "worlds") can wait a little. Who knows? Why not find it at the 2028 Olympics?
Combining studies and training
Everyone knows it: the year of Première is also that of the Bac (at least part of it). It is therefore important to have a training program adapted to the class hours. His coach prepares a big program for the competition and as soon as there is some free time, it's time for homework. So she makes revision sheets and, on the way, before the competitions, places the high school program.
Next year's objective: to integrate the "Pôle espoir" in Bordeaux (equivalent to "sport studies" and therefore in boarding school). To do this, it is necessary to put together a file and wait for selection by the jury. Then, in June, it is the final agreement. Normally this course is two years; Amandine has only one year left to complete since she is in 1st this year. An exception remains possible since it is already integrated into weekends and internships of pole. Her coach has gone to Paris (she trains in Boulogne) but continues to follow her from a distance; it even returns from time to time to Angoulême. She even accompanies 4 young rowers (2 girls and 2 boys).
Next appointment in March with the zone competitions for the next qualification to the France Championship. New Challenge: test of a boat where she will be paired with a girl from Boulogne. Good luck to you Amandine!