The World Athletics Championships are coming to an end this Sunday. Here’s a recap of the performances of the four Azuréens on the track all week.
There are four athletes in the French delegation who train and are members of clubs from the Alpes-Maritimes. Margot Chevrier and Camille Séri are affiliated with Nice Côte d’Azur Athlétisme, Téo Andant with AS Monaco, and Méba-Mickaël Zézé with AS Cannes. Let’s review each of their performances during these World Championships.
Téo Andant (4X400m Relay): the only French medal
The Niçois is part of the men’s 4X400 relay team, as well as the mixed relay over the same distance. This is the event that kicks off his world championship. The French relay competes in the final and finishes 4th, just off the podium. The men’s relay team, also featuring Téo Andant, qualifies for the final.
The AS Monaco athlete races with teammates Ludvy Vaillant, Loïc Prévot, and David Sombé. The French team secures an encouraging second place behind Jamaica. In the final, the French finish second behind the USA, setting a new French record. This result means a silver medal, the only one for the French team at these championships, ensuring France doesn’t leave empty-handed. “I’m super proud of my teammates. They ran an incredible race. I just had to finish it off. They did an outstanding job,” rejoices Téo Andant after the race.
Margot Chevrier (pole vault): disappointment for the Niçoise
The Niçoise is competing in her second World Championships, with the same goal as her first participation: reaching the women’s pole vault final. Unfortunately, Margot Chevrier does not manage to get past the qualifications. Struggling with her jumps, she fails three times at 4.60m. This is significantly below her personal record this season of 4.71m. “I can’t analyze it just yet. I was there physically and mentally. I’m much better than last year and more in control, and yet it didn’t happen”, the young Niçoise reflects after the competition.
Méba-Mickaël Zézé (4X100m Relay): not enough to contend for a medal
The men’s 4X100m relay team was aiming for a medal at these championships. Comprising Méba-Mickaël Zézé, Pablo Matéo, Ryan Zézé, and Mouhamadou Fall, they managed to qualify for the final, being timed in as a fastest loser. On Saturday evening, during the final, the French team started in lane 3 and delivered a solid performance with a time of 38.06, finishing in sixth place. A good performance but too far from the medal favorites. The United States won with a time of 37.38, ahead of the defending Olympic champions Italy, and Jamaica. “This is not what we came for,” expressed Ryan Zézé after the race.
Camille Séri (4X400m Relay): a final and some promises
Camille Séri was also part of a French relay team. She competed in the women’s 4X400m relay alongside Louise Maraval, Amandine Brossier, and Sounkamba Diallo. The French team had a close call. After securing a fifth place in the heats, which initially didn’t qualify them for the final, the French team was reinstated following an obstruction by a competitor during the third baton exchange.
The French started the final with almost the same lineup, with Marjorie Veysseire replacing Sounkamba Diallo. However, with a time of 3:28.35, the French relay finished ninth. Far from the Netherlands, who won the race, and Great Britain and Jamaica, who completed the podium. “We hoped to secure the middle of the pack, but it was tough. We’re disappointed,” says Amandine Brossier. The team will return to training to aim higher next year in Paris at the 2024 Olympic Games.
