Nice Premium: What is the sports record of the ONN in water polo this season?
Richard Papazian: The women’s team are French champions for the third consecutive year. The men’s team finished in the final four but just missed the podium. We are satisfied, of course, but the men could have played in the final. They missed a few matches during the season. In the end, it costs us because we enter the final phases in 4th position and lose against Marseille. But we remain European in both the men’s and women’s categories. It’s worth noting that the under-17 and under-15 teams are still in the running to win the title in their categories.
NP: These are brilliant results, continuing the trend of previous seasons. How do you explain these performances?
RP: We invest a lot in training. This year, for example, eight male players have come up through the club. It’s a transition year, and that’s why being 4th is good; we are within our pre-season goals. We’ve always supported young players in both sports and their studies. Our players have well-rounded minds. Some prioritize their schooling and have to leave the club, but that’s the gamble of training.
NP: What will be your objectives for next season?
RP: I manage a club that includes five disciplines: swimming, diving, triathlon, water polo, and synchronized swimming. There are priorities like the London Olympics in 2012. The next two years will be mainly dedicated to swimming. We are the French club with the most swimmers eligible for the Olympics. But water polo will not be neglected. For the men, we will continue the momentum with the youth. The assistant coach of the French National Team, Samuel Nardon, will take over the team. For the women, we will try to make an impression internationally by doing well in the European Cup.
NP: On the administrative side, will you keep your position next season?
RP: We plan to continue at least until 2012 with President Monnot and the management team. For fifteen years, we have consistently achieved successes and podiums. After that, we’ll see. You should know that we have won 200 national titles during these years.
NP: Do you realize that your results are the best in the city, across all sports?
RP: We are exceptional compared to other clubs in Nice. Without making comparisons, what we do is very strong. The results are explained by the competence of the people in place, but also by work and passion. Here, we can talk about high-level sport in this city. There’s a know-how at the ONN. If the people of Nice are missing out on results, let them not despair!
