8 athletes at the Europa Cup bodybuilding championships
After a high bar accident, former gymnast turned coach Frédéric Faure reinvented himself by turning to powerlifting and bodybuilding.
This year, he is participating in his 79th and 80th competitions, including the Europa Cup championships taking place in June in La Ciotat. For several years, Frédéric Faure has been bringing a breath of fresh air to the world of bodybuilding. Thus, he created a group of athletes after having himself experienced the joys and challenges of competition.
8 ATHLETES COMMITTED Indeed, in the world of bodybuilding, athletes from La Londe-les-Maures are preparing to make their debut on the national stage. Composed of eight members, this collective, named 'Onstage', stands out for its atypical background and its flawless commitment. For almost all of these athletes, this is their first participation in a French championship.
The group was created as an association, helping to finance the travel and logistics needed for competitions. Also a nutrition coach, Frédéric Faure explains: 'Bodybuilding is a demanding sport, both physically and financially, with strict nutrition to follow throughout the year.' The support of the city, especially that of François de Canson, is a valuable asset for these athletes who are preparing to represent their region on national and international stages.
The members of the group, although coming from diverse backgrounds, all share a history marked by personal challenges. Among them, two athletes who have overcome major weight issues, as well as a former gendarme, who returned psychologically fragile from a mission abroad.
TEAMWORK The athlete further confides: 'I strive to transform this individual experience into a real team effort, where each member can support one another. The challenge is personal, but the experience is collective.' As a coach, he acts like a conductor, guiding his athletes toward their goals while instilling in them the importance of discipline and commitment.
'It is a psychological approach, a way to feel better in one's body,' the athlete explains. He insists on the importance of involvement and certainty in the journey toward the goal. The group took out licenses in a satellite federation, guaranteeing high-quality supervision and anti-doping control.
The deadlines are approaching, with the selection for the French championship scheduled for May 3 and the final on May 31. The athletes are also preparing for the Europa Cup, which will be held on June 1. To support their efforts, a Leetchi money pot has been set up to finance the travel necessary for the competitions.
A great challenge awaits them (Mickaëll Garnier, Gigi Paysé, Patricia da Silva, Jonah Crespy, Lina Chebel, Sophian Galdini, Nathanaël Faure and Frédéric Faure).
With determination and solidarity, they are ready to take on the challenge.
Pour suivre leurs aventures et soutenir leur parcours, consultez leur compte Instagram : onstage_83. Pour soutenir financièrement les sportifs : cagnotte leetchi.com pour l’association OnStage.
Interviewed by Laurette PARAY Photos Frédéric FAURE.