Marie Dorin-Habert retired following the Pyeongchang Olympic Games in 2018, Anaïs Bescond overtaken by the wear and tear of time at 34, Justine Braisaz struggling to exploit her formidable potential on skis, Julia Simon capable of kicking sadly short-lived shine… For a long time capable of competing with the Norwegian benchmark, French women's biathlon has struggled to shine internationally for several seasons. Without a boss, it is difficult to exist, even if the French relay manages, year in and year out, to stay on the podium. But this leadership role could well return in this Olympic season to Anaïs Chevalier-Bouchet. In any case, the Iséroise did not hide her ambition when we met her: “
I feel good. It's a season that I approach with a lot of envy. I already have experience of the Olympic Games since in Beijing, it will be my third. Suddenly, I arrive with a different status than the other two. Clearly, I'm going there to bring home at least one medal. I think I have the means to do it. Or at the very least, I worked really hard for it.
"
Ninth last season in the World Cup, Anaïs Chevalier-Bouchet had above all the merit of avoiding the Bleues a zero point in individual during the Pokljuka World Championships where she won the silver in the sprint, then the bronze in the pursuit. Two medals which were added to his four podiums in the Podium Cup. But without the slightest victory. Moreover, out of stint, the Iséroise has achieved only one success on the world circuit, during a pursuit at Nove Mesto in 2017. Often placed, rarely a winner, such could be the summary of his career until now. In question, most of the time, his shortcomings in shooting. That she recognizes herself during last season, while being satisfied to have been able to return to her best level after giving birth,in October 2019, to a little Emie. "
I had a good start to winter, good Worlds, but it could have been even better if I had been better at shooting,
”she analyzes.
“
I had my worst season with less than 85% shooting success.
This is undoubtedly linked to the fact that after my pregnancy, I focused on the physique and the work on the skis, imagining that my shooting skills would return easily.
But I was wrong
”.
Anaïs Chevalier Panoramic
Obviously, without a bad pun, the Frenchwoman intends to correct the situation in this Olympic season, she who has made Beijing the top priority. "
I do not have the shoulders to play the general classification of the World Cup,
" she said, lucid. “
You need a consistency that I don't have yet. So what I want is to be successful in Beijing.
»While adding that«
the place did not make you dream.
“Especially in view of the health context, announced very strict, which will inevitably be more difficult to live with for a young mother. "
I already know that my little girl will not be in Beijing.
I prepared myself for it mentally.
I will not be caught off guard.
Anyway, I go to these Games to perform and I would not have the right to indulge in any melancholy or sadness.
For about a month, I will focus on myself, on my Games and after that, I will have time to make up for lost time with my daughter.
"
Anaïs mom is different.
Stronger, I don't know.
Let's say I approach competition differently.
Anaïs Chevalier
An obligation of result linked, precisely, to her new motherhood, which makes her consider her career in a more ambitious light.
"
Anaïs mom is different. Stronger, I don't know. Let's say I approach competition differently. Now I go there just for myself and somehow I know more about why I play high performance sport. It kept me going all last season. If I make certain sacrifices in my life as a mother, it's to perform, not to finish 15th or 20th. Otherwise, as much as I stay at home with my daughter. I don't want to do bad races anymore, I have become more demanding. Especially since in four years, I think I have progressed physically, in shooting… At 28 years old, I think I have reached my peak of maturity. And then I watched the Tokyo Games a lot and we are fortunate that they were six months before ours, so what I saw,the information I have gathered remains fairly fresh in my mind. It really got me going to follow them. When I was going to train this summer, I had this little extra motivation
. "
A relay that is close to his heart
The game of an Olympic medal is therefore well worth a few sacrifices, and the Frenchwoman considers herself on the right track to know how to manage the weight of her new status as French number 1.
“
I worked a bit on my mental approach, on managing expectations this summer.
I know that everything is not ready yet but I have two months of competition left to make the final adjustments and to manage the pressure as well as possible.
As to whether she has a preference for the discipline where she could climb on the podium in Beijing, Anaïs Chevalier-Bouchet keeps all the doors wide open.
With one exception.
"
The relay is very close to my heart.
To win a medal on this event means a lot of things and the fact of sharing it maybe makes the emotion stronger.
We won bronze in Pyeongchang and I think we can afford to do at least as well in Beijing.
Afterwards, individually, I don't bet on one discipline more than another.
The goal will really be to get on this podium at least once and I know that I would have four individual chances to achieve it, which not all athletes have, far from it.
It's up to me not to miss them all.
Missing so many targets for a biathlete would be a shame.
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