In Lyon, Florent Manaudou recharges his batteries and performs

He was just waiting for him, the local kid. 20 years ago, Florent Manaudou already walked along the paths of the Vaise swimming pool for interclubs. This weekend he plunged back into his childhood with this combination of past and present emotions during the Open des Gones. He met a host of familiar faces and fascinated the many children who came to dream of his fabulous destiny. He signed autographs in droves, gave time to everyone, had Sunday brunch with friends without forgetting the most important thing: performing.

He managed to combine everything with a two-step strategy. “The first 50 were to test yourself (21”71 in the series, fourth world time of the season, Friday). The rest of the weekend was work, explains Quentin Coton, his co-trainer. Completed two 100m races (49”97 in the heat and 49”11 in the final) and the next day swim again in 21”8, it proves that he is in good shape. »

Since the February 2023 Lausanne meeting, Manaudou had no longer completed two 100m races on the same day. On Saturday, he wanted to repeat the experience to validate his work. “At the moment, I’m training for the 100 meters to be able to perform in the 50. So I tell myself that I might as well do the 100 meters twice. In fact, my competition weekend ended on Friday night. Saturday and Sunday were work. The work was well done.I would like to do 48”9, I am 12 hundredths away.The big positive is my 50 from Friday, also this one (Sunday in 21”83), I think it was good. »

During this Open des Gones “very energetic and full of emotions”, he took starter-main-dessert, choosing the least caloric formula. As often, he indulged in some technical innovation.

For months, James Gibson, who oversees his training, has been talking to him about downsizing the cast. Last Tuesday, Manaudou decided to try it. First on five waves and even on four “getting it out of my head”. For the average swimmer, it’s a small revolution. For him it is a philosophy. He loves to search (and find). During his two 50m he therefore proposed a shorter throw with five waves. “If there’s anyone capable of changing things so quickly, it’s him, smiles his trainer, Quentin Coton. He has that gift, he masters what he does and he knows how to be good on the big day.”

Result: he should choose five waves in the future because he feels that he “comes out with a lot more momentum from the casting”. There is still the cash to keep. After his epic torch-bearer Wednesday in Marseille, he flew to South Africa for three weeks, “The three most difficult weeks of the year”, he announces. Meanwhile, he left Lyon with beautiful memories and great prospects. Like the attendants of duty facing the swimming pool, he fulfilled his.