Biathlete Émilien Jacquelin, a prestigious visitor to the Transat Paprec!

One of France's top biathletes was present at the Transat Paprec village this Friday. Émilien Jacquelin, a two-time Olympic medalist and five-time world champion, is supported by Seiko, as is Les Étoiles Filantes, the boat owned by Quentin Vlamynck and Audrey Ogereau. They were able to chat together and draw parallels between their two disciplines. In the afternoon, Émilien took the time to share his thoughts. Here are some selected excerpts.

Why did you come here to the Transat Paprec village? I came to accompany and encourage Quentin and Audrey with the boat Les Étoiles Filantes and Seiko. This is my first time at the Transat Paprec, but also at Concarneau. And I'm very happy to discover this world.

Can you draw parallels between your sport, biathlon, and ocean racing? They're two worlds with somewhat hostile environments, the sea and the mountains. This was the first time I met Quentin and Audrey; it was a bit like a transition between winter and summer. They're very humble people; they took the time to explain everything to me, to explain everything to me... It's always interesting to share with other athletes. And you realize there are a lot of similarities, especially in managing weather conditions.

"You have to give the best of yourself and stay clear-headed, not let yourself be overwhelmed by your emotions or by events."

We talk a lot about the weather in ocean racing... Is it the same in biathlon?

For us, there may be a little less constraint and less pressure. But it's something to take into account: it's important to know how to adapt to give the best of ourselves. These are also two sports where surpassing oneself is essential... Here too, the parallel is interesting. You have to give the best of yourself and stay clear-headed, not let yourself be overwhelmed by your emotions or by events. In this area, we can bring something to each other because, in a way, we experience the same thing, the emotions are identical.

There is a pleasure in knowing that you are recognized, even in an area that faces the sea and not the mountains?

Yes, it's really nice. Biathlon is recognized all over France now. Some people recognize us, it's great to see that. After all, we remain simple athletes, and it's important to keep our feet on the ground and remain accessible to as many people as possible.

Can you imagine spending eighteen days on a boat?

Honestly, I'd love to try it! The weather conditions today didn't allow for it, but I really would have liked to!