With the benefit of a few days’ hindsight, what inspired your performance in the 100 m in the French Championships?
Christophe Lemaitre: I was aware that I’d done something outstanding. However, I also know, having had the chance to review my race on video, that I’ve still got a way to go to perfect my run. By running under 10 seconds in the 100 m, I crossed a barrier. I’m deeply satisfied. However, the best is yet to come, starting with the European Championships in Barcelona at the end of July.
You’ve reviewed your record race at the French championships. What did you think of it?
It’s still far from perfect. My start wasn’t the best it could be. I also made a few technical errors in my final strides. My coach, Pierre Carraz, deemed them to be a bit too long. I can work on perfecting all that. On the other hand I’m more satisfied on a technical level with my 200 m final, where I equalled the French record in a time of 20’’16.
Your margin for improvement remains considerable then?
Of course. I’m still young (20 years old). I lack experience and I’ve got it all to learn. I know that I can go fast. How quick I don’t know. And I don’t want to focus too much on one time or another. I must continue to work and remain concentrated on my goal, without spreading myself too thinly, in the hope that my time will continue to drop away.
Your coach indicated that a time of 9’’92 was possible in the 100 m. Does such a performance seem reasonable to you?
Yes, 9’’92 constitutes a time that is within my reach. When I look back at my races, I tell myself that there are hundredths of a second to eat away at virtually everywhere.
Having crossed the 10 second barrier in the 100 m, does that lift a weight from your shoulders?
It doesn’t lift a weight from my shoulders as I’ve never obsessed about it. My approach to competition will always be the same. I’m not going to change my objective. I’m still targeting the European title in Barcelona, telling myself that the time is bound to follow suit. However, it’s true that I’ve freed myself of this 10 second barrier so now I can concentrate on hunting down titles.
Since your exploit in the French championships, the press keeps emphasising the fact that you’ve become the first white guy to run the 100 m in under 10 seconds. What sentiment does this historic reference inspire in you?
A lot was said about this when I was coming close to it and even more has been said about it since I erased this barrier. I don’t really like talking about it too much though. In my eyes, sprinting has never been a matter of skin colour. If I’ve got to this stage today it’s because of my work and my willpower.
On Friday 16th July you’re going to compete in the 100 m in the Meeting Areva, at the Stade de France, between Usain Bolt and Asafa Powell. What are you expecting from this race?
I’m very eager to compete against them. I consider it as an opportunity to test myself prior to the European Championship, and to gain experience. Over the past few years, I’ve often missed out on opportunities to come face to face with top level adversaries. I’m sure that this type of confrontation can help me progress. Furthermore, by being placed between the two Jamaicans, I should immediately be able to be in on the action.
On his arrival in Paris on Monday 12th July, Usain Bolt admitted that you were now up there with the big boys. Are you inspired by such a comment from the best sprinter on the planet?
I’m already a bit surprised and at the same time very satisfied that he knows my name and knows about my performance. However, I think it’s premature to say that I’m up there with the big boys. 9’’98 remains a long way off the very top level in the world. With such a time you can’t compete for an Olympic or World podium.
What are you hoping for from the European Championships in Barcelona?
I’m aiming for a medal, or even a title in the 100 m and 4x100 m. For the time being my participation in the 200 m is still to be confirmed. My coach and I will decide when the moment comes, depending on how I feel, my recovery time and my result in the 100 m. If I’m disappointed by my performance in that race then it’s likely that I’ll line up for the 200 m, with the hope of redeeming myself.
Three questions to Pierre Carraz, coach to Christophe Lemaitre
Pierre, how long ago did you meet Christophe ?
In the early days of his athletics. He had taken part in a village fete in September, where he demonstrated his speed qualities on the so called straight piece of track, which was both twisted and hilly. He was 14 years of age and only just discovering athletics after an unfortunate experience in collective sports, where he proved to be awkward and clumsy. After fifteen days, he managed to run the 100 m in 11’’80. A month later he was at 11’’40.
What are his main qualities ?
Plainly he has muscles which are rich in fast fibres. He’s tall. He quickly takes onboard coaching advice. Furthermore Christophe is crazy for competition. He likes the stakes that are at play. This is borne out by the fact that he’s always beaten his personal best times in a big championship.
How far can he go ?
I’ve no idea. Nobody today can predict how much potential he has. Over 100 m, I think he’s capable of running 9’’92 very soon. When he ran 10’’04 last year, there was no wind. With a steady wind of 1.50 m/sec, the gain would be in the order of 7 hundredths of a second. Over 200 m, I can confirm that he’ll soon run a time of under 20 seconds.
