GIBSON SEALS FRENCH CONNECTION for 2008
Commonwealth medallist and former World champion James Gibson
has joined the CN Marseille swimming club in a move that will
see the breaststroke swimmer live and train full time in the
south of France.
The Chelmsford-born athlete has been with Loughborough University
since 1998 but required a new challenge as he turns his entire
focus, time, energy and undoubted talent on securing a best
possible result at the Beijing 2008 Olympics.
Gibson (26) has spent the past two months analysing various
programmes around the world with a view to finding a system
he feels will bring the best out of him as he prepares for
Beijing. In CN Marseille, Gibson is confident he has discovered
the right ingredients.
"I felt the need for a fresh stimulus after spending
many successful years with Loughborough University,"
explained Gibson. "It was important I found a new challenge
and I'm confident CN Marseille has everything I need to get
the best from myself.
"The group I'll be working with is extremely talented
and as individuals they're very hungry for success. I found
it infectious during my visit and I know I'm going to fit
in perfectly."
Gibson will be coached by Romain Barnier, a bronze medallist
himself at the 2003 World Championships and Olympic finalist
in 2004, and team mates will include French sprinters Frederick
Bousquet, a former world record holder, and Fabien Gilot,
a World Championship medallist.
"I viewed many programmes around the world before I
made a decision on where I thought I could achieve the success
I crave," said Gibson. "For me Marseille was the
obvious choice because of the coach in place, the attitude
of the swimmers and the land work ethic which compliments
the work in the pool.
"I'm a swimmer that takes a lot from land-based training
and in Marseille there is a strong focus on the strength and
conditioning which was a big draw."
Gibson is under no illusion of what lies ahead for him, the
sacrifices he will have to make and dedication needed to ensure
he gives himself the best preparation with which to achieve
his Olympic ambitions.
"I feel quite nervous about the move to a foreign country
although everyone at the club has done everything possible
to make me feel very welcome.
"It's about challenging yourself in life as well and
moving to a foreign country, learning a new language and discovering
a different culture are all part of the processes that I think
will make me a stronger athlete as I turn my attention towards
the Beijing 2008 Olympics.
"It's a full time move for me and I'm going there with
one aim in mind and that is to give me the best chance of
success in Beijing. There will be no distractions for me in
Marseille and my life will only be about swimming."
Much of Gibson's motivation is generated by memories of the
2004 Olympics and the disappointment that still brings to
an athlete who has carried the highest expectations of himself
since his first involvement in the sport.
"I'm still disappointed by my results in Athens and
I don't think that pain will ever go away unless I return
from Beijing knowing that my preparations and performances
were fuelled by giving literally everything I could. The move
to Marseille provides the foundation for that.
After such a long time with Loughborough University, Gibson's
decision to move was a difficult one but he's confident of
the eventual outcome.
"I've spent eight great years at Loughborough and I'll
miss it," explained Gibson. "The majority of my
successes, not only in the pool but within life as well, have
been while in the programme. It's been a massive decision
to leave but I need fresh stimulus.
"For a life after swimming I've gained a masters degree
but what I'm really looking forward to next is being able
to direct everything I have towards my swimming. It's such
an exciting time and I know working with Romain (Barnier)
and Freddie (Bousquet) is going to challenge me like never
before."
Head Coach Barnier, who expects Gibson's talent and experience
to push forward the entire programme within Marseille, shares
Gibson's excitement.
"It's a thrilling prospect to be training James,"
said Barnier. "He's a great athlete with the potential
to medal in Beijing but I also like him for the person he
is and that's important.
"He's got great charisma and is a very focused individual
with a great work ethic. James works hard and, as an experienced
athlete, he's going to push myself as a coach as well as the
other swimmers on the programme here in Marseille.
"When James visited and trained with us the group as
a whole enjoyed a best ever week of training. That's the effect
he had in the space of just seven days. He pushed them and
gave them confidence, and we have a set up in Marseille that
will give that back to James in return."
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