David Dion: What is your assessment of the sports season that just ended?
Fabrice Pellerin: The year 2006 was simply exceptional. The elite team has never had better results than last year. This is especially true for Camille (Muffat) who has grown up in the club from a young age. I have been coaching the group for four years and I am proud to see that the hard work has finally paid off.
D.D: After such a successful year, it will be difficult to do better. What are your ambitions for the upcoming season?
F.P: Each year, the results are better than the previous season. I hope that 2007 will be no exception. Our main goal is to consolidate the team. Then, I hope that either Camille or Mathieu Lacôme reaches the podium at the national level. Camille’s potential was clearly revealed during the last European Short Course Championships (silver medal in the 200m individual medley). In the near future, she could confirm her abilities on the world stage. As for the rest of the group, we will see. Each swimmer must develop at their own pace. But I admit that a few national titles in certain age categories are possible. In another area, I would like the city council to decide on the construction of an Olympic-size pool. The current site at Jean Bouin is running out of steam. It won’t last another ten years and I believe our results would justify this new pool.
D.D: If we look back on the 2006 season, what memories particularly stand out?
F.P: How can we forget the French Championships in Istres! The team returned to Nice with a total of seven medals. And, icing on the cake, a double podium with Clément and Mathieu. We couldn’t have dreamed of a better end to the season.
D.D: Olympique Nice Natation achieves excellent results, particularly in other disciplines such as diving and water polo. In your opinion, what makes the strength of the club?
F.P: First of all, ONN is more than a club; it’s a family. Here, several disciplines coexist in good spirits. There is no rivalry between the different groups. On the contrary, we all push each other to excel, including the coaches. Today, we are even ahead of the Antibes hub although we are a non-profit association. It’s really great.
D.D: Camille Muffat is now part of the French national swimming team. How is the cohabitation between the national coaches and you?
F.P: They accompany and regularly follow the young athletes of the elite team. Sometimes, the “affective” aspect is missing but it’s normal because they see them very little. This constraint is also part of performance. Fortunately, Camille adapts quickly to changing coaches, and her results speak for themselves.
D.D: The Olympic Games are fast approaching. Is Beijing one of your goals?
F.P: In 2004, I announced that there would be two swimmers from the club at the Games. Camille has a strong chance of participating, but not only her. I also think of Mathieu and Clément, if they continue the same progression. And why not a new face? It is possible that a swimmer will emerge by then. In the meantime, we need to continue working.
D.D: One last question. What do you think about the media coverage of Laure Manaudou?
F.P: Laure exemplifies the toughness of this sport. Afterwards, it is true that her Olympic medals have attracted media attention to her. But she has mainly helped to inspire new vocations among the younger ones. It’s a good thing for French swimming.
