Do you still feel the same magic when it’s the fourth time you appear at the Winter Olympics?
Yes, it’s always special because it’s a rare event. I am super happy and happy to be able to be always present, always combative for this race. After that, it’s a bit special about these Games that take place in China because we have a lot of protocols to respect and that spoils the party a bit. But once the Games are on we forget everything and focus on the race.
Often placed but never medalist in the first three Olympiads. What is your sporting objective on this slalom?
Presenting myself with zero complexes. And a lot of desire. These are my last Games so I want to be present and play my card to the fullest and finally get something! In Sochi I was ready, I was fourth after the first run and finished seventh. I was very disappointed. So there I have no pressure, I just want to give myself fully as I have always done on my races and not ask myself too many questions.
You want to go out “the race of a lifetime” as you say…
Well yes, it’s now or never! I worked a lot physically. I’m well. Confidence came little by little on the World Cups and I just miss a big result. But in my head, I’m fine. The level is very, very high. But that’s it, it’s a one-day race. We don’t know what can happen. I have no pressure compared to the favorites. So you have to go there without complexes, with a good state of mind, inventing nothing because you won’t discover a new style of skiing on D-Day. But I think it’s going to be played out a lot mentally.
Do you know who or what you are going to think about when you start?
No not really, I say that I want to go there without pressure but I know there will be a little anyway. We are on the other side of the world, alone, without an audience this year, no family, we find ourselves a little alone with ourselves. At the gate I will simply remember to take as much pleasure as possible to put all the desire and the fighting spirit that I can find in me.
Will you be able to take advantage of the extras too?
Yes, I will try to the maximum even if it will necessarily be more complicated with the health situation. But I’m going to see other disciplines, I followed the opening ceremony. It is important to soak up this particular atmosphere. Especially since it’s the last time for me! But don’t worry, I’ll stay calm and focus on my race!
Have you learned a few Mandarin words?
I learned the basics yes! “Thank you”, “hello”, “how are you”… to be in the right mood! But it’s a very complicated language!
What would successful Games look like to you?
Ah bah, me, it is sure that my dream would be to return with the medal. These are my last Games, I don’t know what happens next. So yes I will do everything to return with a medal. But a Top 5 would already be magnificent.