Jimmy Gressier is probably the most promising French athlete of his generation. He won three gold medals in the U23 category at the European Cross Country Championships and established last winter a new 5K European record : 13 minutes and 18 seconds. We had the opportunity to chat with the young man often wearing his cap backward on the startline.
You decided to stop Football (soccer) to focus on athletics. Was it because you weren’t good enough or because you didn’t want to make too much money?
I quit playing Football because I had potential in running. My coaches made me realize that I had an opportunity in this sport. I wanted to have a successful life, so I left the first chance I got. The more I trained and competed; the more running grew on me. Nowadays, I have other goals and I train for those ones.
How did you switch from Football to athletics?
Slowly. For two years I practice both Football and Athletics. The first year, I only took part in running competitions. During the week I went to Football practice, most Saturday’s I had Football matches, and Sunday’s athletics contest.
The second year I continued the same routine, adding one running training per week.
You are part of an extremely talented generation talented. (El Bouajaji, Palcau, Hay, Gilbert, etc…). How did you become a leader?
By simply winning competitions. Football teaches valuable lessons in teamwork, so I try to communicate with the fellows. Not necessarily to share my experience but to inspire them to win. I try to be friendly to everyone. This is how I got to this place… I think.
You have recently shared, a series of videos on your daily routine and your trainings. what message do you want to convey? How do you want people to view you ?
If you want to succeed, you have to train hard all the time, and you have to believe in yourself. I share my everyday routine so people can get an idea of what represents being a professional athlete. An endurance runner trains hard, travels.
Your supplier has been getting a lot of publicity with his innovation. What are the essential products for trainings or the races today?
Sincerely, nothing is really indispensable. Nike created the Vapor fly, which is a wonderful shoe, that feels so comfortable when running in these. I have the impression they help reduce the risk of injury. I also enjoy the Pegasus turbo for daily trainings, they have good support and cushioning. For clothes, accessories, you will find everything at Nike.
Is cap for style or comfort?
Well, both now. At first, I wore it for practical reasons. I had long hair and I would style it with gel, it used to roll down and get into my eyes when I would sweat. It was so annoying that I wore a cap, and then, it became my style. So, both, yes.
You often mention a successful life, or a way out. Did you need to escape or to take a revenge on life?
Well, yes, I needed to leave my neighborhood to see something else, to get a taste of life, to travel. A revenge? Something like that, yes. For my parents who always endured, if I can make it in sports, helping them financially is definitely one of my goals. Earning money in sports is highly motivating, equally as being Olympic champion. When you have known struggle, your motivation is enhanced, and when it gets difficult, you just won’t and can’t give up, it is not an option.
During the Tokyo Olympic Games, which distance will you be choosing?
Right now, I am a bit confused because I was originally training for 5000 and 10000, but now I am going to train on steeple. If I get the opportunity chance to shine on steeple, I want to make the 3000m steeple.
What can we wish you until then?
Well... to be a gold medalist at the Olympic Games!