This internship in Lanzarote is also an opportunity to swim in the deep bath. “”We are always super well received and we benefit from extraordinary installations. Swimming in a large 50m pool, we only do it here. In Antwerp they have already had a taste of swimming in a large pool and it is a more undeniable.”
If the coach expects a lot from her protégés, there is no question of talking about podium or medal so as not to put pressure. “”Of course, I expect results, but they are young and they must above all have fun. Some will panic, others will lose their means. Some will be too sure of themselves and others will seek the medals, it is sport and they must accept what can happen to them. “
For Els Gitels, an element will make the difference, the group spirit. “”Since they arrived with us, we have tried to instill them the values of a group. They are not individuals, but a group. We fight for each other, we encourage each other. When Lucas Henveaux comes to train, he is not a star, but a swimmer who seeks to improve like everyone else. This group spirit will play in their favor, I repeated them before closing the internship.“
ENW will also bring beautiful people: “they will have to have fun”
The Waremme club will also be well represented at the Belgian championships with nine swimmers who left for an internship in Canet, in France, being far from all distractions to best prepare for competition. Ann Bonvoisin, club coach, came out of the week. “The internship went perfectly, the group had a good state of mind, they all worked to arrive more ready than ever at the championships. We aim for great results, podiums, records and beautiful experiences. There are young people for whom it will be the first time, it is always exciting to get started in Belgian championships. We face the best in the country and there will obviously be a pressure, but the most important thing swim.”
During this week, the coach also emphasized a fundamental aspect, the group spirit. “This group must become a band of friends. They are seen several times a week, train together, advise themselves. They create links that will serve them for the tests, especially mixed. We have the chance to participate in several team events for which the symbiosis will be perfect.”
As for objectives, Ann Bonvoisin knows that her swimmers can dream of great. “They know that they can seek good results. For example, the little Eliot Drèze can get a top 3 just like Maxence Vandenbergh who is only in his first year and who qualified for the last day. They must be aware of their capacities and as I said, have fun. The Belgian championships, it is only once the year.”
After a few days off, the nine swimmers will go to Antwerp this weekend when they hope that the all year’s work will be rewarded.
