Delving into the depths of Alain Bernard's experiences, we uncover the story of a man shaped by his passion for swimming. His exceptional journey, from humble beginnings in Aubagne to Olympic peaks, bears witness to unwavering determination. Beyond the medals, it's the tale of a personal transformation guided by a dedicated coach and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence. Alain Bernard opens the doors to his world, where perseverance and passion intertwine to pave the way to success.
Interview with Alain Bernard: Diving into His Life and Projects
14.1.2024
Lire cet interview en français
Alain, you have a fascinating story. How did your passion for swimming come about?
Alain Bernard: Well, my passion for swimming initially stemmed from my parents' desire. I had this classic dream of becoming a goalkeeper in football, but my parents enrolled me in swimming to learn how to swim and feel safe in the water. Strangely, this decision sparked a passion for this sport within me. It became a way for me to express myself, a space where I could transcend my introverted nature. In that swimsuit, in front of my peers, I learned to have confidence in myself, solve problems, and talk about my failures.
Your journey is impressive. How did you perceive your progression in this sport?
AB: It was a meticulous and obsessive progression. From swimming 1.15s to dreaming of 1.10s, then less, every fraction of a second mattered. I scrutinized every detail to progress. Even at the professional level, it's about chasing those tiny hundredths of a second. In this quest, my coach, Denis Auguin, played an essential role. He taught me the value of commitment and self-transcendence. He always took into account my dedication and motivation rather than solely focusing on my abilities. It was a very special relationship, based on understanding and mutual respect.
You've had an exceptional career. How did you find your path after high-level sports?
AB: After my sports career, I turned to entrepreneurship. I focus on developing infrastructures for swimming education and integrating digital technology into pools. We have a startup deploying digital tools, including underwater cameras to analyze swimmers' movements. The idea is to correlate sensations, coaches' perceptions, and video analyses to immediately help swimmers correct their movements. We've equipped several sites, including the future Olympic aquatic center.
What, in your opinion, is the key factor in your success?
AB:There are several, but I believe passion has been the main driving force behind my commitment. When you're passionate, you commit without counting the hours. Believing in your project is crucial to fully invest in it.
And finally, what's your prediction for the future French stars at the Olympic Games?
AB: In swimming, I have high hopes for Léon Marchand, who shone by breaking Michael Phelps' record in the 400m individual medley, under the guidance of Michael Phelps' former coach. I'm also keeping an eye on Maxime Grousset, an excellent friend, specializing in the 100m butterfly, and of course, Florent Manaudou, whose talent continues to surprise and who is far from having said his last word.
Thank you Alain!
Alain Bernard is also turning towards new educational horizons with a possible training at ESSEC, a new adventure that promises to be exciting for this entrepreneur at heart!
