Martin Fourcade. “The day I decided to end my sports career, I experienced a sense of perfect timing”

The French biathlete, a five-time Olympic champion, ended his sports career in 2020 at the beginning of the epidemic. To bid his audience a proper farewell and thank those who supported him, Martin Fourcade wrote Out of the way, one by one, where he looks back on his years of competition. Along with this show, the 35-year-old retiree is preparing for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games as President of the Athletes’ Commission. An opportunity to question him about his (new) relationship with time.

My mood from the moment ?

In a range. After a peaceful and sporty summer with the family, the start of the academic year is extremely full from a professional point of view. I’m running out of time.

What I do when I have time is right ?

Sport! I have a need and desire to express myself through physical activity. I grew and flourished this way.

How do I know if I’ve run out of time? ?

The day I decided to end my athletic career in February 2020, I remember telling myself that one day earlier would be too early and one day later too late. It felt like perfect timing, realizing that I had covered what I wanted to see and what I could give. I had to move on.

Is time my ally or my enemy? ?

Today I see him much more as an enemy. Contrary to what you might think, a top-level athlete has time to rest during the day to recover. Today, my seasonality is less pronounced, and I find it difficult to do everything in twenty-four hours.

I see time as my enemy, I struggle to do everything in twenty-four hours

Marine Fourcade

One step forward or one step back ?

Maybe I’m late when I see sketches that make young people laugh and that I don’t understand.

With whom my time passes quickly ?

With my 8, 6 and a half 10 month old children. They are the ones who make me understand that I am growing up.

Lost time ?

The video! I hate this fashion that lacks efficiency and humanity. You can also call each other.

To spend time ?

Instagram: I mostly look at the accounts of my loved ones and mostly post about the escape of my life with sports, mountains…

I hate video that lacks efficiency and humanity. You can also call each other.

Martin Fourcade

What do I think when I look in the mirror in the morning? ?

What shall we do with this hair?

What I like people to say about me ?

That I treat people well, I am attentive to others.

My news ?

I wrote Out of the way, a one-off that I’m going to play on tour. It is a life story, a career story, during which I look back at the happy, sad, funny and inspiring moments of my fifteen years of competition. This is somewhat of a hybrid project, with which I want to continue to promote my sport, biathlon, but which will also allow me to say goodbye and thank those who have accompanied and supported me over the years.

My role during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games ?

As Chair of the Athletes’ Commission and a member of the Board of Directors, I must ensure that the needs of athletes are met for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. I ensure that the training facilities meet the athletes’ requirements, but I also take care of the food in the Olympic Village…

In my home near Lake Annecy, I feel like I am truly myself

Martin Fourcade

If I had to go back in time ?

Without regrets, I would not have relived the events of my life, even my mistakes that allowed me to progress. On the other hand, I would like to attend the 1994 Lillehammer Olympic Games in Norway, in my opinion the Winter Games of my dreams.

Time stands still…

At my home. Notoriety means that we are quickly noticed outside, and we need to have a certain public image. In my house by Lake Annecy, I get the impression of being truly myself, and that time stops a little.

Out of the way Martin Fourcade, directed by Mathieu Cruciani, on tour in France from October 18, especially at the Theater du Rond-Point in Paris, on November 9 and 10.