“In my dream it is great, it is full of people, shouting, singing and finally I achieve this completely crazy goal. I hope it comes true, but since I am a big dreamer I allow myself to do anything.” On Monday 2nd September, Alexis Hanquinquant made a midsummer night’s dream come true, the scene he had imagined so many times, chasing for three years at the Paris Paralympic Games. With his arm outstretched, the 38-year-old triathlete held a blue, white and red flag and savoured his moment, alone in the world, crossing the Pont Alexandre III, with the Eiffel Tower to his left and, in the background of this majestic setting, the gold leaves of the dome of the Invalides.
Already crowned in Tokyo in 2021, the now double Paralympic champion lived the “Perfect scenario. I was on cloud nine today and flew from A to Z.”, He imagined, after his effort of 58 min 01 s, the best time in all categories combined. Leaving the Seine in the lead after 750 m of freestyle, the Norman extended his advantage during the 20 km bike ride on the formidable Parisian cobblestones before finally cutting the ribbon at the end of the 5 km run with more than two minutes ahead of the American Carson Clough and more than three ahead of the Spaniard Nil Riudavets Victory.
Undefeated since 2019, the six-time world champion was the big favourite to succeed him in the PTS4 (permanent category, moderate handicap). But the flag bearer of the French delegation rejects the idea that the Games are over. “It was not a foregone conclusion, insists the former bricklayer, whose right leg was amputated after a work accident. In every race, all my opponents want to dethrone me, it is a long-term job. Every day you have to question yourself and go to the embers. »
In recent weeks, he has taken his perfectionism to the point of facing climatic stress (in a “thermo room”, a room that reproduces heat and humidity) and psychological stress in training. The goal? “Tell yourself: nothing can happen to me on D-Day.” says Nicolas Pouleau, his coach. Thus, at his home coach, Alexis Hanquinquant had to pedal while watching the video of the 2023 summer race while counting, amidst the shouts of the public, the number of yellow vests on the course or lampposts on the bridge. “I really wanted to set an example as a flag bearer, it would have been a bit stupid not to bring home a medal. It’s done.” concluded the leader of the blue triathlon army (17 athletes and 4 guides).
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