Maxence Parrot still aims for the highest peaks | You have seen?

At just 26 years old, his name was added to a prestigious list of award winners including Ronaldo (2003), Serena Williams (2007), Kim Clijsters (2010), Rafael Nadal (2014), Michael Phelps (2017), Roger Federer (2018) and Tiger Woods (2019).

The Laureus Awards annually honor the achievements of athletes from around the world. Rafael Nadal, Lewis Hamilton and Naomi Osaka are also among the winners this year.

In an interview with Radio-Canada Sports, Maxence Parrot confided in what this award inspires in him, his role in the fight against cancer, his own health and his goals for the rest of his career.

Q. What was your first reaction when you found out that you had won this very prestigious award?

A. When I learned that, I fell out of my chair a bit. Already, when I was selected for this trophy, in fact, for me, it meant a lot because it is not just any award. You have Tiger Woods won it in the past, Federer won it, Michael Phelps. It’s really all sports around the world. It’s a bit like going into the big league.

So just being selected was a great achievement. I was really happy to receive recognition for my last two years and all that I have accomplished through cancer, my return to competition, the three gold medals at the X Games.

And that doesn’t just encompass performance, but also my involvement with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Foundation of Canada and how cancer has changed me. They told me they found it inspiring. That’s why at the end of the day, they picked me as the winner.

To be told that I am an inspiring person by these people, for me, it means a lot and it comes to me.

Q. When did you learn that you were nominated and do you know who submitted your nomination?

A. I was selected around mid-February. But no, I have no idea who proposed to me. I know it’s called Laureus Academy. It has a hundred or more members. So it was one of those people who suggested my appointment.

Q. We imagine that receiving such an award must have plunged you back into your battle with cancer.

A. Yes. In fact, I have my trophy here and that’s why it means a lot to me. When I look at it, I really see all kinds of memories. I see all the work I have done through it, difficult times as well as beautiful times when I won (competitions).

That’s why this trophy means a lot to me. I can practically say it’s the most valuable thing I have won because it encompasses a story and a part of my life that hasn’t necessarily been easy.

Q. For the second year in a row, the Laureus Gala was held virtually. When you look at the list of other winners this year which includes Rafael Nadal, Patrick Mahomes and Bayern Munich, what would it have meant for you to be there, in person?

A. That is exactly what I was thinking about during the last week. Of course I find it extremely disappointing not to be able to go. But hey, it’s the pandemic.

Normally I could have gone there. I could have shaken hands with all these great people who have inspired me since I was young. I am a tennis player and would have loved to meet Rafael Nadal in person.

Unfortunately, it was virtual, but I still received a small shout out by Justin Trudeau during the gala and also by Tony Hawk, the skateboarder who is also a member of the Academy. Tony Hawk, I’ve known him since I was 5 years old. I played his video games on the PlayStation. I really find it cool that he took the time to say a word to me.

Q. What effect can this award have on your fame and for your sport which may not be known everywhere since it is a winter discipline?

A. For my sport, it’s really great. This is one of the reasons why we were happy to be admitted to the Olympics in 2014. The more we go in a direction where the world does not know our sport, the more we can inspire to practice it.

This Laureus will inspire others who did not necessarily know my sport to maybe try it. It’s super good for that.

Yes, I am an athlete. I speak as an athlete in everyday life around the world. But to be able to talk about different topics, in relation to cancer, in relation to the Foundation, how to help the world, it’s really a direction that inspires me where to go. To make myself known as a person around the world is something that touches me.

Q. Almost two years have passed since your diagnosis, treatment, etc. How is your health at the moment?

A. Health is fine. I’ve been really in remission for almost two years, actually a year and a half or so. I’m great. Of course, mental health with the pandemic is not the same as before. We go out less, we do less activities, we see our friends and relatives less. It is certain that, for that, it is different.

But the fact remains that I put more time into my training. I hope it will pay off for the upcoming Olympics (in Beijing).

Q. Are you undergoing medical follow-up to make sure the cancer doesn’t come back to haunt you?

A. I have a follow-up that spans over five years and that began with my remission. I still have three years of follow-up. I’m supposed to go get another checkup shortly.

Q. – What do you foresee for the months to come and for the next season?

A. I see a lot of training still going on. We are not giving up!

I am extremely motivated. During all the months that I was in the hospital battling cancer, I didn’t have the chance to play my sport. Today every time I get back on my board I realize how lucky I am to be on my board. I just want to do as much as I can while I can, train as much as I can for the coming Olympics and give it my all.

Q. What can we wish you that you haven’t achieved yet?

R. Wow! That’s a good question! I have achieved a lot of things. It is certain that my goal in terms of athletic performance is to get a gold medal at the Olympics. I’ll do everything in my power to get this.

Otherwise, my other goal is simply to take advantage of the whole route to get there.

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