At the end of the Monaco Mare Nostrum (Saturday and Sunday), the coach of Olympic Nice Natation took a moment to assess Charlotte Bonnet’s performance. With less than two months before the World Championships in Kazan (August 2-9), he expressed satisfaction with the various performances while remaining measured.
Nice Premium: Fabrice, what did you think of Charlotte Bonnet’s meeting (2nd in the 200m freestyle with 1’57″55 and 2nd in the 100m with 54″16)?
Fabrice Pellerin: Charlotte finished the meet well with a good time (54″16), quite close to her record (53″94) that she swam in Limoges. Considering that this time was achieved in a competitive suit during a training period, it was unexpected to swim so fast. I’m quite satisfied.
N.P.: She is having a great season in terms of timing…
F.P.: Sport involves cycles where we work hard, and it rarely pays off immediately. Then, there are phases where one manages to express oneself better and is rewarded. She is having a good season in terms of preparation; she is consistent in the meets and is updating her reference times. It’s positive energy that we harness during such a period where we ‘load the mule.’ She is fortunate to have this reward in sight (the good times).
N.P.: At the European Championships in Berlin (August 2014), you decided to change various things by mutual agreement with Charlotte. What is different by June 2015?
F.P.: There’s the training aspect with twice-daily sessions, which need to be successful, require arriving with good energy, doing things diligently, and with success. The training sessions are going well. She is present and involved. The other, equally important, aspect is the maturation of individuals in the development of young women. Charlotte, in this regard, is becoming more independent, finding her way. She seems to be in a good balance. We are still on a path of development; she just needs to make it onto an international podium. We are realistic; there is still a step to be taken.
N.P.: What is the program before Kazan?
F.P.: There are four good weeks left to work diligently. Things are going well, so if we can add more work, we won’t hold back. Afterwards, we will be in the home stretch, needing to optimize between work and rest. The schedule includes daily training and the Open de France in Vichy with the French team; this will be our last performance before Kazan. We will undertake it without relaxing the current work.
N.P.: A quick word about Marie Wattel and Cloé Hache, who are going to take the baccalaureate exams…
F.P.: They are in full revision mode for the baccalaureate. They have a challenging week ahead (starting this morning). They are eager to get through it and will come to training at their own pace, to ensure the minimum. Marie (Wattel) is having a good season, she is recording times. She is involved, much more mature, invested, and concerned with what lies ahead.
N.P.: What about your role as the head of the French women’s team…
F.P.: I remain primarily the coach of Nice, but on certain occasions, I will fulfill the role I have been given. I certainly pay attention to the results, on a daily basis, of the other girls (Balmy, Hénique, Cini, and others), which allows us to project towards Kazan and beyond. Wednesday (today), we have a good day’s work at the INSEP with other coaches, which is important. We are trying to build a great collective adventure with the girls. Exchange and sharing will be at the heart of our approach.
