Despite their 8 Olympic medals, Émeric Martin and Florian Merrien still want more

They throw jokes at each other like balls in the table tennis room Emeric-Martin d’Argentan (Boar). Spicy humour, but always well balanced, like a serve in the final of the Olympic Games. On one side, Florian Merrien, table tennis player, Paralympic champion at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

8 medals between them

On the other hand, Émeric Martin, the 2000 Paralympic champion at the Sydney Games in singles, will also be participating in his fifth Games.

The purpose of their visit to Argentan on Thursday 25 April was to tell about their experience in the land of the five rings. With four Paralympic medals each, they will be the proud representatives of the sub-prefectural city, from 28 August to 8 September.

Return to the Games after a 6-year hiatus

This Thursday was a special day for Émeric Martin, officially qualified that morning. “I knew it since the beginning of April (thanks to his victory in Poland) without it being made official,” explains the athlete. “When it’s official, it feels good. Especially for the small family. »

It was those close to him who made him want to come out of his sporting retirement. “I wanted my children to see me as a high-level athlete,” said the Nantes resident.

Three years before the Paris Games, Emeric Martin, captain of the 2008 French delegation, wants to “close the loop” by taking advantage of being in France to shine with his wife and children in the stands.

Weight gain, rusty body, reduced movement speed. The athlete has created a new health to regain the level of almost 51 years. He competes with Maxime Thomas with whom he is paired.

For Florian Merrien, the qualification was easier. Licensed to Argentan after the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil, he participated in the singles tournament, men’s doubles with Nicolas Savant-Aira and mixed doubles with Flora Vautier.

Return to the simple life after the Games

Florian Merrien trains 4 to 6 hours a day in the suburbs of Rouen with his private trainer, Florian Dheilly, who is also his brother-in-law. “There will be at least 18 Paralympic table tennis players, it’s a really unique competition,” exults Florian Merrien who would trade all his medals for Olympic gold.

For the two champions, it will not be complicated to resume life after the Olympics. “We both have a job on the side,” explains Émeric Martin. “My daughter Capucine is celebrating her 16th month, it won’t be difficult to start again,” Florian announces.

Before taking part in the competition, the French Paralympic team will come to Argentan from 8 to 10 July. What brings them luck?

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