The French Céline Boutier is one of the two French golfers who participated in the Paris Olympic Games, along with Perrine Delacour, from Wednesday to Saturday.
Published on 07/08/2024 07:00
Reading time: 4 min
Céline Boutier during the presentation of the trophy after her victory at the Evian Championship, July 30, 2023 in Haute-Savoie. (MILLEREAU PHILIPPE / KMSP / AFP)
A few hours later, he found the national golf course in Guyancourt (Yvelines) in gala dress. For the first time, Céline Boutier and the other Tricolores entered the Paris Olympic Games, Perrine Delacour, Victor Perez and Mathieu Pavon, were able to test the outfits they will wear during the competition, from Wednesday August 5. Like at home, the Frenchwoman, 6th player in the world, spoke to franceinfo: sport, to discuss her second Games and her golden goals.
Franceinfo: sport: What mood prevails before these Olympic Games at home?
Céline Boutier: This is an important deadline, I have in mind 2021 after the Tokyo Games. It’s hard to describe, because very few athletes get this opportunity to represent their country and do it at home. To represent France and have a chance to win a medal is something very big!
You have the opportunity to know the route well…
National Golf has improved a lot since the first times I played it when I was in Pôle France. This is a super demanding course. Knowing this is not enough to do. You need to be in good shape, especially for long games in the middle of the water. the rough [herbe autour des fairways] thick, you must handle the attacks of the green well! Climate conditions can also change everything. But it will be a big challenge. It is perfect for an event of this scale. There could be a Major here…
“It is something extraordinary to play in the Olympic Games. We have the opportunity to represent something bigger than ourselves. Here we are part of a group of French athletes, more than golf and it’s not given to everyone, it’s a privilege.”
Céline Boutier, 6th player in the worldin franceinfo: sport
How did you approach your change of status after your victory at Evian in 2023?
Honestly, it wasn’t a huge personal change, but the media attention was significant. I was surprised by the impact of my victory in Evian on the media in general. I’m flattered that there’s more interest, but it’s not a complete joy because I don’t like doing that either. [les interviews]. It’s great that people are interested in golf, in my course and they feel inspired. Afterwards, I felt a little pressure, although I tried not to focus on it.
You experienced a very complicated time in the level of the game, how do you explain it?
It is true that it is more complicated for me, because I am not able to do well. It’s disappointing, but I hope to change that and be better at Saint-Quentin [en Yvelines, le site du Golf national]. I didn’t have a break in the off-season and I played a lot of tournaments. I am not comfortable with the courses. In golf, there are ups and downs all the time, but nothing “catastrophic”, although not according to my expectations.
Céline Boutier during the presentation of the trophy after her victory at the Evian Championship, July 30, 2023 in Haute-Savoie. (FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP)
How did you handle your climb psychologically?
What motivates me is the competition, because you have to know how to handle yourself emotionally. Golf on one level is very psychological. It’s controlling yourself, your thoughts, your emotions, it’s an interesting challenge where you can’t win. You may be able to control it one week, but the next, that’s not the case. I have a mental coach [Meriem Salmi, la psychologue qui suit de nombreux sportifs, dont Teddy Riner] who are with me to help me in this sector. This is something important, you can only benefit from learning about yourself and managing yourself emotionally.
You have a hard-working mark, even in stakhanovist courses, do you have the same feeling?
I wouldn’t describe myself as a hard worker. To get there, you don’t just rely on your talent. Everything works and I see many players who work harder than me! It’s not something that defines me personally.
What is your goal in Paris?
I want to win a medal, preferably gold [rires] ! I’ve been thinking about these Games in Paris for years. They are part of my goals and I won’t change them because I haven’t played well this year.