Marie Bochet shone at the Sochi and Pyeongchang Paralympic Games: four gold medals in Russia, four more in South Korea. The skier added a ninth Paralympic medal to her collection in Beijing, this time a silver. The Savoyard will not be on skis in Milan-Cortina, but rather in the role of chef de mission for the French delegation. Before getting down to business with the opening ceremony on Friday evening, she spoke to Francs Jeux.
How are you approaching these Games, in this new role?
I approach them a bit like I did when I was an athlete. They're quite stressful times, for the staff too. When you arrive at the Games, there are a lot of things you don't know, even if you've worked to gather as much information as possible. I arrived at the village on Monday, and you're discovering how things work, how the organization works. It's ultimately a new role, but with pretty much the same emotions, even if there's perhaps a little less pressure.
Do you feel a sense of excitement?
Absolutely, there's a lot of excitement because I know the qualities of our Paralympic team. We're eager to see them perform. I know them very well; I know everything they've put in place. I can't wait to see them; there's the thrill of reliving those powerful emotions. I've realized over the past two years that while we experience sporting emotions very intensely as participants, they're also easily shared. I'm looking forward to the thrill of watching our French athletes' performances.
What are your thoughts on the athletes' living and competition conditions?
Right now, I'm in the village in Cortina. The situation is pretty good. The weather isn't great at the moment; it's quite warm. That's the big difference between the Olympic and Paralympic Games—March weather is always very different from February. There's also the uncertainty of the snow conditions; the athletes know it will be more like spring snow. In the village, especially in Cortina, we're lucky to have quite a few common areas where the delegation can get together. I haven't been to the Nordic venue yet, but I think everyone is settled in.
The IOC has suggested moving the Winter Olympics to January, so that the Paralympic Games can take place in February. Would that seem like a good idea to you?
I hadn't heard about it, but I think it's part of the discussion we need to have about the evolution of our sports and their schedules. In March, we have fairly warm temperatures, and therefore the snow quality is quite variable. It's something to consider. We need to address issues like this today, be willing to shift some perspectives, so that we can continue to properly promote our sports.
Triple gold medalist in 2022, Arthur Bauchet will be one of the leaders of the delegation.
In terms of snow and weather conditions, what was your experience at the Paralympic Games in which you participated?
I've always had pretty hot Games. It was quite a contrast to the experience of the Olympics in February, especially in Pyeongchang and Beijing: it was very cold for the Olympics, while we were hot, finishing on salted snow. Then again, the advantage of the Paralympic Games in March is that they close out the season. From talking with the Olympic athletes, it's a real challenge to get back on the World Cup circuit after the Games. Moving them forward by a month is significant; it means less preparation time, it requires adjustment. But I think we have to adapt now and consider these issues.
You have participated in several major Paralympic competitions in Italy. What memories do you have of them?
I've participated in several World Championships. We've always had fantastic slopes. In 2011, it was in Sestriere, on a 2006 Olympic and Paralympic site. There's a real winter sports and alpine skiing culture here. Cortina also has a magnificent venue. This morning, we went up onto the slopes and were blown away by the Dolomites. It's true that it's been a while since we've had such a spectacular setting at the Winter Games. It adds an extra dimension to these Games. The Italians are incredibly welcoming, and the volunteers are super friendly.
In your opinion, does this French delegation have the potential to approach the 2018 record?
We have a very ambitious delegation, clearly. It's small but full of talent. 100%, all our athletes have the potential to win medals. We've already had over 50 podium finishes this winter. What's different compared to previous Games is that we have a multitude of profiles that can go for titles and multiple medals. Before, we always had medal contenders, but with some profiles standing out a bit more. Now, everyone can really shine, which will create real competition within this team. We're talking about potential triple medalists, multi-medalists… That's what will be our strength and what can allow us to break the record.
Is this also a great delegation to inspire vocations with a view to 2030?
Yes, absolutely. The team has become younger; we have leaders who will undoubtedly still be here in 2030, young athletes like Aurélie Richard and Karl Tabouret who will be experiencing their first Games and who will be present in 2030. Naturally, this will inspire our young athletes. Returning to Europe, in a time zone that allows for wider broadcasting, will certainly inspire future generations, we hope. That's also the goal of the Paralympic Games: to show that disability isn't necessarily a limitation, that there are adaptations to allow people with disabilities to dream big.
