Hello Stephan Caron,
Thank you for taking the time to speak to us on the occasion of these XXXIIIrd Olympic Games in Paris. In a few words, can you tell us about your event and your best records?
Stephan Caron (SC): My race is the 100 m freestyle. I'm a double bronze medallist in the 100m (Seoul 1988 and Barcelona 1992), World vice champion and European champion in the same distance, and 30 times French champion.
The Olympics are here again. Can you share a personal experience about your Olympic Games?
SC: At my first Olympics in 1984, I was lucky enough to seat for dinner opposite Carl Lewis in the Olympic Village. He was to become the hero of the Los Angeles Olympics with 4 track and field medals, but I was too shy to talk to him. In the same Olympic Village, I also met the USA basketball team with Michael Jordan and Patrick Ewing.
With several Olympics under your belt, what's your favourite moment at the Olympics?
SC: It was when I won my medals in 1988 and 1992: touching the plate and seeing your name in the top 3, meaning it is a podium.
At these Olympics, which athletes would you most like to see on the podium?
SC: Obviously Léon Marchand in swimming, and Maxime Grousset, Summer McIntosh, David Popovici, and Adam Peaty, who is making a comeback. In Judo, Teddy Riner and Clarisse Agbegnenou. In fencing, Sara Balzer in sabre and the women's epee team. In athletics, Mondo Duplantis. And I’d like to see Dimitri Grandjux, whom we support through Sportissimo, step on a podium at the Paralympics.
Who do you think is the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time)?
SC : SC: Michael Phelps, of course, across all sports, but for France, Léon Marchand has a good chance of becoming one at these Games.
Thank you, Stephan. Enjoy Paris 2024!