Hubert Woroniecki has his work cut out for him.
At the beginning of June, in Villebon (Essonne), “his” boxers will indeed have to be ready for the Olympic qualifying tournament (TQO) for the European continent, in view of the Tokyo Games.
This New Zealander of Polish origin, born in South Africa 31 years ago, is the physical trainer for the France team.
However, he did not always practice in the noble art.
Logic could have sent him to the All Blacks, in rugby.
But not even.
It is indeed with the boat of "Team New Zealand", the New Zealand challenge competing for the America's Cup, the second most famous team of his country, that he first engaged, ensuring the physical preparation of the team and even winning the prestigious trophy in 2017.
Holders of the title, the Kiwis can keep their good against Italians Luna Rossa if they win the two rounds scheduled for Tuesday in Auckland Bay.
Visiting his grandfather, then at Insep
It is immediately after this mythical victory that the relationship between Hubert Woroniecki and the boxing federation begins.
France, this eclectic athlete had tasted it six years ago, when he spent a year with his grandfather, his uncle and his aunt, who had lived in France for a long time - his parents worked in the pharmaceutical industry.
“I have always had an attraction for your country.
So I came back.
"He presented himself at Insep, where many high-level athletes were preparing, in the Bois de Vincennes in Paris, with his CV and met John Dovi, the manager of the French teams.
The interest is common but the two parties do not work together until the following January.
Hubert Woroniecki (2nd from right, foreground).
/ DR
“It immediately worked very well between us,” says the Kiwi in almost perfect French.
I take care of about twenty boxers every day, all amateurs.
It's more complicated than for the pros because they have more fights, almost one tournament every month.
To plan each phase of preparation requires a lot of discussion.
"
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With its support, a collaboration has even started between Insep and its New Zealand equivalent, equally known for its scientific research in sport.
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Gifted in sport, Hubert Woroniecki is a jack of all trades.
He naturally played rugby (3rd row) at the highest amateur level.
Besides boxing, he also played basketball, swimming, and especially tennis.
Among the best juniors in his country, he was unable to join the United States because of a nasty shoulder injury.
Without regret, he obtained his bachelor's degree in sports, which allowed him to be put in touch in 2012 with the physical trainer of "Team New Zealand".
VIDEO. America's Cup: relive the impressive duel between the Italian and New Zealand crews
“He wanted sessions that were a bit tough for the sailors.
We also decided to do a study on heart rates and their variability.
Thanks to my work, the program has totally changed, even though I was only an intern!
"The following year, his team led 8 to 1 in the final against the Americans, who won (9-8) on the wire:" It was very painful ... Fortunately, we had our revenge in 2017. We had parade in front of 120,000 people in Auckland.
In the meantime, Hubert Woroniecki has become sole master on board.
Hubert Woroniecki (center, background) walks through Auckland after the victory of "Team New-Zealand" in the America's Cup in 2017. / DR
For three years, he has built his life in Nogent-sur-Marne, where he lives with his dog.
The Insep is close by and it runs regularly in the Bois de Vincennes.
Only the sea, his family, and New Zealand are missing: “My mother was to come in March and I had planned to go there after the Tokyo Olympics… I will wait, I am a man of revenge.
It comes from my big brother, who died ten years ago.
I always find the fire to refocus.
"
Later, he would see himself working for Arsenal, his favorite club, and ending his career in rugby.
Among the All Blacks, of course.
