The biathlete Quentin Fillon Mailletstill impressive during his Olympic pursuit title on Sundayhis fourth medal at the 2002 Olympic Games, considers that one of the keys to his success is no longer having “fear of winning”.
After four medals in as many races, the Jurassien still has two podium possibilities, the men’s relay on Tuesday and the mass start on Friday, and his current confidence could make him the man of these Olympics.
After such a demonstration, one wonders where you will stop?
I won’t stop as long as it works. It goes beyond all my dreams, four medals in four races including two titles, it’s simply incredible. I’m proud of myself because the conditions were really tough and complicated. I found the solution in shooting in these wind conditions and, in skiing, it was really slow, it was a struggle, you had to push, push and I doubted a lot of times. I knew it had to be a good shot. Johannes (Boe) was stronger than me yesterday (1st in the sprint, Fillon Maillet 2nd, editor’s note) and, therefore, I was 26 seconds behind at the start of this pursuit. Finally, my strategy of refueling (shooting) paid off. Him, he cracked at shooting and that allowed me to get the title, it’s so beautiful. I’m proud of how it turned out. 20/20 in these conditions, it’s strong.
How do you manage to handle the pressure?
It’s me who does things, I’m an actor. There has been a lot of investment in the past, it’s really a great reward but I didn’t expect such a reward either. I had not dreamed of a scenario like that.
Seeing the weather conditions this morning, what did you think?
When we get up in the morning and see that there is wind, snow, we tell ourselves that it’s the same for everyone and, therefore, I will stay focused on myself and put in a good performance. and, this great performance, it makes me win. And then I like the pursuit. For me, it’s easier to run when I see my opponents, I like confrontation.
Was there a moment when you realized you had gone from a regular top biathlete to who you are today, World Cup leader and two-time Olympic champion?
I think I met people throughout my preparation who gave me more confidence in myself. I’m no longer afraid of winning and no longer afraid of playing, being on that last shot and having high stakes. On the last shot with Latypov (the Russian, 2nd), I know that we are playing for the gold medal at that moment, I don’t know what will happen and I’m going, I’m not shaking. There are a lot of things going on in the head and the head decided to win today. And the body followed, even if it was difficult on the skis.
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Quentin Fillon Maillet after his coronation on the pursuit. © AFP
Are you worried about the lack of recovery before continuing on Tuesday with the relay and still a possibility of a medal?
Athletes who didn’t make the podium don’t have anti-doping, the press conference… Recovery is easier for them. I’m also proud of that, the sequence of races, it’s not easy when you succeed. We still have a good stint to pick up with my teammates.
What are your assets to reach this level?
I have physical and mental abilities that allow me to succeed. It’s also a lot in the head, I don’t give up until the end. I still want to, I’m in full possession of my faculties and I still enjoy these moments. I will try to recover for the future, with a good stint to pick up with France.
Has having worked with Martin Fourcade inspired you?
All champions like Raphaël Poirée, Ole-Einar Bjoerndalen and Martin are inspirations. When I arrived, Martin was earning a lot and I said to myself: + maybe it’s impossible but maybe I can ski fast like him and maybe I can shoot as well as him +. Today I am here. I am writing the history of biathlon.
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