Fourth in the 5,000m in the Diamond League on Saturday in Paris, Jimmy Gressier, 25, is continuing his merry way to the heights.
A time of 13'08''75, synonymous with the minima for the Eugene World Championships (United States), and a personal best for him.
All that under the 32 degrees of the Parisian night… We let ourselves imagine that with better conditions, the Frenchman is still able to run ten seconds below!
This would place him at the level of Ismaïl Sghyr's French record (12'58''83 in 2000).
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An XXL performance once again, after entering the final at the Tokyo Olympics in the 5,000m (13th), his titles of French and European cross-country champion, as well as his gold medals at the European Championships hopefuls (over 5,000 m and 10,000 m).
This is one of the reasons why the French public is completely won over by this cross-country skier.
But it is not the only one…
What makes me happy is to be so supported by my audience
Jimmy Gressier
Wherever he goes, French sports lovers follow him.
Jimmy Gressier landed a little out of nowhere before shining in athletics (football player at Boulogne until 2015), and his profile was immediately noticed, both on a sporting and human level.
“What makes me happy is to be so supported by my audience.
I think that my generosity and my simplicity please.
I did a lap of honor to thank them by making the V sign with my fingers to make an appointment with them for two years from now with Paris 2024
,” he explained.
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And to continue:
“They came here, they paid for places which can be expensive, they made the effort to take the Paris ring road, so it is a pleasure to be able to share with them.
In my young career, I have been given a lot, so I like to give back to the public, always with simplicity.
I come from a fairly modest family so being here is nothing but happiness
.
A figure for Paris 2024
France needs models to organize its Olympic Games which will begin in two years.
On the athletics side, in addition to the generation of veterans who carried the blue, white and red flag to the top of the masts, Jimmy Gressier embodies the young generation, so talented.
“For athletics, I think I am a symbol.
I try to break all the codes of athletics by coming from a disadvantaged neighborhood and having practiced football for many years.
This is what allows a lot of French people, Parisians, to recognize themselves in me.
I convey the message of success when you give yourself the means, when you believe that it is possible to succeed.
I believed in it more strongly than anyone, I knew how to take the hands that were held out to me to get to where I am today.
We are full of talent in the neighborhoods, and even everywhere in France, it just takes rigor, training and desire, "
said the French champion, his eyes still sparkling with happiness after the
Author of a final stretch of madness, Jimmy Gressier wanted to greet the public who came in large numbers this Saturday, June 18 in Charléty (15,827 spectators announced).
Panoramic
“I know a lot of people who have talent but don't succeed. For my part, I may have a little less facilities, but above all I have an excessive desire to succeed, much more than the others. At the end of my career, I will be able to put my legs up and rest, but right now I feel like taking whatever there is to take. Life is too short as they say, so you have to go all out!
, he says again, hungry.
The appointment is made for Paris 2024. And in the much closer future, Jimmy Gressier will travel to Eugene (from July 15 to 24) for the Worlds.
His ambitions are not hidden: he dreams of shining there and playing something beautiful against African competitors.
On the other hand, he admits it, the main objective of his season remains the gold medal at the European Championships in Munich (from August 15 to 21).
