The French national team in Vichy
France swimming team, led by captain Florent Manaudou, is putting final preparations, settling in Vichy for a last training camp before the Olympics. These final moments of preparation and recovery are also an opportunity to get together.
On Wednesday morning, the swimmers were able to enjoy a session opened to public with a lot a support.People came in numbers to support the French team. This training session, open to 400 people, served as a rehearsal for the French swimmers - including Léon Marchand, with a simulated race pace - and for his coach Bob Bowman, who put on a show for the audience.
This quiet getaway in Vichy gives everyone a chance to breathe and recover before getting dragged into the hustle and bustle of the Olympic Games on home soil.
Wednesday's public training session confirms the enthusiasm around the Olympics and the French, just a few days before their entry into the competition. A second public training session is scheduled for this Saturday, before the end of the training camp on July 23. The members of the French team are then expected in the Olympic Village a few days before the start of the Games.
As events begin 3 days before the official Olympics kick-off - for football and 7 rugby in particular - swimming events will start from July 27. Up to 17,000 spectators and fans will be expected at the Paris Défense Arena every day to support the French team and swimmers from all over the world.