Annecy, France – At 21, Augustine Carliez is quickly becoming a name to watch in the world of telemark skiing. This past weekend, the young French athlete secured the coveted Crystal Globe for classic telemark, a testament to her dedication, resilience, and a unique path forged with the guidance of those around her. Carliez’s journey to the top wasn’t without its hurdles, but her recent success marks a turning point, solidifying her position as a rising star in the sport and a compelling story of perseverance.
The victory, celebrated with a French flag draped over her shoulders, was particularly sweet given a heartbreaking setback just a year prior. A fall during the final race of the previous season had dashed her hopes for an early Globe win, a disappointment that took considerable time to process. That experience, though, appears to have fueled her determination, culminating in a mid-February breakthrough in Norway and a string of podium finishes that followed. It was a performance that even impressed Argeline Tan Bouquet, a leader of the French team who is currently recovering from a knee injury and working as a speakerine.
From Alpine to Telemark: A Pivotal Shift
Tan Bouquet played a crucial role in Carliez’s trajectory, recognizing her potential when the then-15-year-old was considering leaving alpine skiing. Responding to a message from Carliez’s father, Tan Bouquet steered the young athlete towards telemark. “She had marked me from her first internships with us, where we felt a strong determination in her,” Tan Bouquet noted, as reported by Le Dauphiné Libéré. This early recognition proved pivotal, setting Carliez on a path to excel in a discipline where she could truly thrive.
Carliez’s dedication extends beyond the slopes. She’s currently in her third year of a six-year medical program at the University of Lyon, aiming to turn into a dentist like her grandfather. Balancing the demands of elite athletics with rigorous academic study requires discipline and focus, qualities that clearly define her approach. Her commitment to physical conditioning is equally impressive, working to enhance her endurance and explosiveness with the guidance of Pablo Hammouch.
A Holistic Approach to Performance
Recognizing the importance of mental fortitude, Carliez began working with Greg Bilic, a mental preparation coach based in Talloires, in September. Bilic, a former technician with the Croatian ski team, employs techniques influenced by Thomas Sammut, the mental coach of swimmer Léon Marchand. This collaboration underscores a growing trend in sports, emphasizing the crucial link between mental well-being and peak performance. The focus isn’t just on winning, but on cultivating a positive mindset and managing the pressures of competition.
Beyond her training regimen, Carliez’s life is filled with diverse interests. She spends summers in Tarifa, Spain, honing her gliding skills through wing foiling and kitesurfing, activities that complement her skiing and provide a welcome change of pace. Her teammates affectionately call her “Suzie,” a nickname stemming from her fondness for herbal infusions – “It’s Suzanne who drinks her tisane, and it transformed into Suzie,” they tease.
A Family Affair and a Bright Future
Carliez’s success is deeply rooted in family support. She credits her parents and sister, Léopoldine (who recently finished 15th in her first World Cup race at age 17), for instilling in her a love of sports. “I’m lucky to belong to a sporty family. It’s thanks to them that I am where I am today,” she said. The Crystal Globe already has a designated spot in the family’s living room in Annecy, a symbol of her achievement and a source of pride for all.
Antoine Bouvier, coach of the French team, describes Carliez as someone with “a beautiful energy, always positive and very smiling.” While she may not be a culinary whiz – “She’s even capable of messing up pasta,” Bouvier jokes – her focus remains firmly on her athletic pursuits.
Looking ahead, Augustine Carliez will compete in the sprint parallel qualifications this Saturday at 10:30 AM, followed by the finals at 12:30 PM. Her recent success and unwavering dedication suggest she’s poised for continued growth and achievement in the world of telemark skiing. The future looks bright for this young athlete, who seamlessly blends athletic prowess with academic ambition and a genuine passion for life.
The story of Augustine Carliez is a reminder that success is often built on resilience, support, and a willingness to embrace new challenges. Her journey is one to watch, and her achievements are an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere.
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