While, since his return to competition, Florent Manaudou has alternated between Antalya and Marseille for training, the former Olympic champion in the 50m freestyle has decided to stay in France to prepare for Tokyo.
Florent Manaudou has decided to settle down. Returned to swimming in March 2019 after three years of a hazardous conversion to handball in Aix, the Olympic champion in the 50m freestyle in London in 2012 had a particular function. He alternated training courses with his club since 2011, the Cercle des Nageurs de Marseille, and the group formed around his trainer since 2012, James Gibson, in Antalya. Guest of the program “On refait le sport”, this Sunday on RTL, Florent Manaudou has confirmed his full-time return to Marseille. A decision justified by sporting reasons, but not only.
” I will work with Julien Jacquier as in 2014. I thought a lot during the six weeks in the bubble of the International Swimming League, confided the native of Villeurbanne. The pandemic plus political tensions between Erdogan and France were bound to be on my list. Having my family, my friends, the best training group in France and coaches with whom I worked and I get along really well, weighed in the balance. “Very related to James Gibson, Florent Manaudou confided to have had” a little scared »To announce his decision to the one who was like a mentor in his eyes but does not intend to completely cut the bridges. ” It’s a separation but he told me it was the best place for me at the moment considering what is going on. I’m glad he supports me, adds the French swimmer. He remains a special coach and I will train with him from time to time in the future. Until 2024, it is a long time. “
A return to Marseille which is part of a project in which Florent Manaudou ensures he feels “ more actor “. ” I want to do things that I didn’t do before, more talk with coaches, physical trainers, mental, nutritionistsblows the former Olympic champion. I took my career more to heart and not just listened to and followed what was said … “A preparation for Tokyo, a deadline for which Florent Manaudou has made his return to competition and for which he is aiming for nothing less than the Olympic title in the 50m freestyle, which he will be able to do alongside his companion, the Danish Pernille Blume.
