National Technical Director of the French Sailing Federation
Jacques Cathelineau
“A very strong desire to improve the results of the 2012 games”
FrancsJeux : What are the main new features planned for this new Olympiad which will take us to Rio?
Jacques Cathelineau: The first is the appointment of a high-level vice-president, Claire Fountaine, which marks the federation's strong desire for political involvement in Olympic preparation. Another new feature is the appointment of a director of the French Olympic sailing team. Our choice fell on Guillaume Chiellino, already an Olympic coach and responsible for the socio-professional monitoring of high-level athletes. He therefore knows the international competition well. The partial renewal of the Olympic coaching team also marks a rejuvenation of our management.
What are the main objectives and associated strategy for high Olympic performance?
These goals are very clear: medals at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, titles at the Olympic series world championships. This reveals a very strong desire to improve the results of the 2012 Games, in both Olympic and Paralympic sailing. This requires us to be selected in all series, which will not be easy, given the increase in international competition. This is why the ISAF World Championship in Santander in September 2014 will be an essential event in our calendar since we will have to select as many Olympic and Paralympic series as possible.
How will we join the French Olympic team?
Two entries will be possible. First of all, appearing in the top 8 of the annual world championship of each Olympic or Paralympic series will allow you to join the French team for one year. A podium Olympic and a world title will allow you to appear there for 2 years. The DTN may also choose to integrate athletes who change series or who come from another area of sailing racing. Selection for the French Team as for the Games is therefore neither fixed nor a foregone conclusion for anyone.
