These fifteen athletes will have the challenging task of proudly representing the Alpes-Maritimes in various disciplines:
In swimming, Alain Bernard (50m freestyle/100m freestyle/4x100m freestyle relay and 4x100m medley relay). The fast swimmer from Antibes will be the spearhead of the French swimming team. Currently, he holds the world record in the premier category of the 100m freestyle and will be highly anticipated at his first Olympics, especially in the relays. He is one of the medal contenders in swimming.
Clément Lefert (4x200m freestyle relay). The young athlete from Nice, just 21, will participate in his first Olympics, as preparation for London 2012. Primarily a butterfly specialist, he will only be competing in the relay. He is considered one of the most promising hopes of French swimming.
Christophe Lebon (100m and 200m butterfly). He is the worthy successor of Franck Esposito, who has become his mentor. The Antibes swimmer aims for a place in the finals at his first Olympic Games, achieved through hard work and patience, in one of the most technical categories of swimming: the butterfly.
Camille Muffat (200m medley/400m medley/4x200m freestyle relay). The young 18-year-old from Nice will be discovering the Olympics for the first time. She had an excellent season in 2008, breaking her personal records in the 200m and 400m and even defeating multiple Olympic medalist Laure Manaudou in her favored categories. There is much hope placed on the shoulders of the young woman from Nice to bring back a medal from Beijing.
Matthieu Madelaine (4x200m freestyle relay). At 25, Alain Bernard’s teammate at CN Antibes will participate in his first Olympics. Physically impressive, as described by his coach Guy Giacomoni, he will have the tough task of lifting the French relay to the top to create a surprise.
Boris Steimetz (4x100m freestyle relay). He is the unexpected guest of the French group for these Olympics. Considered a hope for French swimming, this young Reunion native now competes at CN Antibes. He is part of the exclusive club of swimmers who have gone under 49 seconds in the 100m freestyle.
In sailing, specifically in the 470 series, where one navigates tandem on a small craft, Nicolas Charbonnier first made a name for himself in the America’s Cup as a helmsman. Just missing out on the podium at the 2008 World Championships, the team is eager to showcase its talent after qualifying for the Olympics in a highly competitive discipline.
In Olympic trap shooting, one of the shooting events, Stéphane Clamens, a native of Menton, will participate for the third time in the Games. Introduced to the sport by his father, he will aim to improve on his third-place finish in Athens. 2008 was an exceptional year for him as he won the World Cup in Belgrade.
In tennis, Alizé Cornet will defend French hopes in a field featuring the world’s best players. Having learned the basics of her sport at the Tennis Club des Arènes de Cimiez, Alizé will be eager to perform well, following her 2008 season where she earned her first professional title in Budapest.
In weightlifting, Vancelas Dabaya Tientcheu will represent France in the 69 kg category. A 2006 World Champion and 2007 European Champion, the Cameroon-born athlete aims for the Olympic podium, hoping to bring home the first French medal in this category in 32 years.
In canoe-kayak, in K1 slalom, Emile Fer will attempt to emulate Tony Estanguet’s performances in this discipline. A team world champion in 2006 and 9th in the latest world championships individually, she will experience the Olympics for the first time this year. Hailing from the Alpes-Maritimes, she is a member of the elite training center in Pau.
In handball, Valérie Nicolas, the goalkeeper for the French team, is the latest athlete to join the Alpes-Maritimes. She signed this summer for ASPTT Nice Handball. A 2003 World Champion and best goalkeeper worldwide in 2003 and 2007, she has a strong chance of winning a medal with the French team.
In gymnastics, Hamilton Sabot was the last to be called up to the French delegation as a reserve in his category. Considered one of the most promising hopes in gymnastics, this athlete is described as complete. A junior French Champion in 2004 and bronze medalist in the senior French championships in 2006, his skills could be decisive in the team competition.
Finally, let’s not forget our disabled athletes from the French Riviera. In swimming, Elodie Lorandi will attend her first Paralympics at barely 20 years old. She is one of the assets of French Paralympic swimming, notably with a world champion title in 2006 in the 200m medley. In cycling, Damien Severi, who started with mountain biking before turning to cycling, has been a multiple-time French champion (in time trials and road races) and will experience the Games for the first time at 23.
