September 6Prince Albert: "We will reach an Olympic final one day"
Monaco-Matin: The king returned to the delivery of Monegasque athletes to the London Olympics. It also defines the way
Your feelings about London 2012?Selected sites, organization, performance level, the number of spectators and enthusiasm have made these games a successful challenge for the British. The host country had, moreover, good results.
What is your assessment for Monaco?We can remove some satisfaction. Our athletes have achieved their objectives and achieve good performance.
Yann Siccardi (judo) was not unworthy. He spent the first round but he had the misfortune to fall against the then future Olympic champion. Table of competition has not been favorable. It is a little because he wanted wanted more resilient. With a little more experience, malice, it might be more lasting in its fight. He is young and he learns continuously. We can still count on him for other major events.
For Angelica Trinquier (swimming), it was difficult to expect to do better because the level of competition was very high. Her coach said she was not performing a technical point of view, but Angélique had the merit to improve his time. I hope it will continue and participate in other competitions.
Damien Desprat-Lerale (veil), the result is a disappointment. I thought he could do ten places better. Throughout the season, he finished first in the 30-40. However with the weather conditions encountered, it should have a big mature big technical background. This is an honest participation. He has given several boats and it is a reward for participating in the Games.
Mathias Raymond (rowing), it is a great satisfaction. He announced plans to earn a C final, he did. Mathias is an engaging personality, an intelligent boy, who has managed the competition. C in the final, he had enough energy to hope to do better, but the main thing was to be there. Despite his desire to start his career, I secretly hope he will still continue to practice this sport. It would be interesting to see a crew on another boat.
We know the potential and value of Brice Are (athletics). He was injured Achilles tendon. We hoped that this pain is not too intense for him to do a proper 800 m. This was not the case. I experienced this situation and it is difficult to address competition hurt, because the moral does not follow. He made a small mistake at the outset that caused his disqualification. Healthy, he would certainly have done better. This is a disappointment, but we'll see and have the opportunity to prove his worth.
Hervé Banti (triathlon) is more comfortable over long distances, his second place in last triathlon 'Tristar' proves to Monaco. A shorter Olympic distance, he gave a good performance in a statement. Its participation in the Olympic Games is a great reward for one of the spearheads of triathlon in Monaco. I'm happy for him that he is beautiful figure.
Six athletes present in six disciplines: hope for?In the current context, it is very difficult to qualify or have a wild card. Submit a team of six Olympic athletes for a country like ours, it's already very good. We must continue on this path work, keep federations, managers, coaches and athletes motivated for, why not more athletes. In the end, the number really matter to me, it is the quality and the ability to make a good performance, have a nice representation should prevail.
How to get there?Seeking talent among athletes, coaches skill level and those who supervise them. I am convinced that we will one day reach an Olympic final. And why not, and I strongly believe, on the podium. Other small countries have done. The Principality has a strong sporting past. Here is a real commitment to sporting values, the context is favorable, just have this desire. The Monegasque Olympic Committee is there to help and support towards this goal. Athletes, too, must want it. I'm trying to get this message: Do not prepare a little and hope for a medal right now, it is unrealistic! It takes time and be patient.
The presence of Princess Charlene at your side: a source of motivation for athletes Monaco?For the Princess and myself, it was a pleasure to have been closer to our athletes to be encouraged to have had a word for everyone. Athletes presented a souvenir to the Princess, they were sensitive to the opinions and advice they received from him.
You took part in five Winter Olympics. In what discipline Summer Games would you like to participate?I practiced several sports. Also, I think the modern pentathlon would have been a good discipline for me ... I also wish to participate in beach volleyball.
The strong image that you hold these games?I remember Usain Bolt (athletics), Michael Phelps (swimming), the South African swimmer Chad Le Clos (that HSH Princess Charlene knows) who beat Phelps - it was also a beautiful emotion - the French team handball, even though I could not attend the final. The extraordinary atmosphere that there is stress because I think it will mark the history of the Games.
A word about the Paralympics?With Princess Charlene, I attended the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games in which the participation of disabled artists was really moving. These athletes will provide with remarkable events. Beyond their courage, determination and desire admiration and create an extraordinary atmosphere.
(With the help of Stephan Maggi, Monegasque Olympic Committee)
