Recently, one of our Terminale students, Adam, achieved a remarkable feat at the French Junior National Championships, securing three medals in the butterfly category. This incredible accomplishment not only highlights his technical prowess but also underscores his relentless dedication to the sport. Having begun his journey in Uganda, Adam has quickly established himself as one of the top contenders on the young French swimming scene, and his progress, discipline and unwavering ambition are evident throughout his career. In this interview, we explore the challenges and triumphs that have shaped his career, the routine that fuels his success, and his exciting goals for the future as he continues to break records and represent France on the international stage.

How do you feel after this victory?
I feel good, but I have a sense of unfinished business. I came here to set a French record, but I failed. Nevertheless, I'm happy to have achieved the triple win in all three butterfly distances.
 

Can you tell us about your journey to get here?
I've always been comfortable in the water and started competing at the age of 8 in Uganda. I wasn't very good at first, but once I started taking the sport seriously, I improved quickly. Since I was 14, I’ve been training with the elite group in Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Since then, I’ve regularly participated in the French championships, winning several titles and breaking numerous records.
 

What has been the most difficult part of your swimming career so far?
Staying at the top. Winning for the first time was the easiest, but staying at the highest level while continuing to progress through the seasons has been the most challenging.
 

Can you tell us about your training routine? How do you balance swimming with your preparation for the high school diploma?
I train once a week with 2-hour swimming sessions, plus two 90-minute strength training sessions and one mobility session per week. Ermitage adapts to my schedule, allowing me to catch up on lessons I miss due to training or competitions. My schedule is packed, so I try to study as much as possible at school, so when I get home, I can sleep.
 

What are your next goals? How do you envision your future after high school?
I want to participate in the European Championship. Representing France would be an honour. After high school, I plan to continue swimming while joining a school for high-level athletes, allowing me to maintain a balance between my studies and sport.
 

Are there any specific people who have inspired or supported you throughout your journey?
My coach, my club’s staff, my parents, and my friends have always been there to support me through difficult times. I wasn’t inspired by a specific person, but I like to draw inspiration from athletes in all sports to help me improve in what I do.
 

What skills or lessons has swimming taught you that apply to other areas of your life?
Swimming has taught me the value of hard work and discipline, as well as patience for long-term projects.
 

What do you enjoy doing outside of swimming?
Photography, cooking, video games, other sports (basketball, football, tennis, ping pong, athletics, etc.), cinema, and music.

Finally, what advice would you give to young athletes who want to get into swimming?
To get started in swimming, take your time. Water is an unfamiliar environment for humans, so it’s important to learn how to float and move in a simple, fluid way.

We're proud to have Adam as one of our students, and can't wait to see what he achieves next!