Back to the roots for Jason Lamy Chappuis
Jan 21, 2020·Nordic Combined
The Youth Olympic Games Lausanne2020 are a special moment for French Nordic Combined legend Jason Lamy Chappuis, 33-year-old Olympic Champion of the Vancouver Games. This week, Lamy Chappuis visited the ski jumping and Nordic Combined events in Les Tuffes in the French Jura. The events took place in the stadium named after the French superstar.
What do you feel seeing these young athletes compete in a stadium with your name?
Jason Lamy Chappuis: It gives me pleasure considering the number of hours I have spent here training. It reminds me of very good memories. The stadium has grown beautifully. I remember the very small cabin in which we changed. It is also a pleasure to be at the YOG because the first international event in which I participated was the European Youth Olympic Festival in Bled in 2003. It is really what made me want to continue. I realised that it was possible to reach the high level. And it made me want to do the Olympics later. It was really the starting point of my career.
Were you surprised by the big fan turnout multiple thousand spectators each competition day?
Lamy Chappuis: I am not surprised because in the region there is really a passion for Nordic sports and when the organisation is so good, it is a success. It’s also an Olympic event, so it draws people.
You had the role of an Ambassador for the YOG. What did you do in this role?
Lamy Chappuis: For me, this role of ambassador is connection, trying to make a link between the athletes, the public and the young people. One morning, I was with school children for initiation to skiing. I also came with my gold medal to show them and explain to them what the values of Olympism are. Another day I was with young children in the hospital. I'm also going to meet young people to explain what it means to organise these types of events.
The Youth Olympic Games did not exist when you were an athlete. What do you think about them?
Lamy Chappuis: It’s really a very good idea and totally reflects the values of Olympism. They combine youth, education and fair play. Certainly, there is competition but the emphasis is also on education and that seems very important to me.
Among the values of the Youth Olympic Games is also equality between women and men. The highest competition levels are not in place in Nordic Combined this winter but will be introduced next season. How do you feel about this development?
Lamy Chappuis: I'm really happy to see that there are mixed competitions here. I have spoken with FIS representatives and everyone is determined to see the women's Nordic Combined developed. We see here that the level of girls in ski jumping is increasing rapidly. Several of them are already in the world cup.
After you ended your career after the PyeongChang Olympics, you have starter a career as a pilot. How is that going for you?
Lamy Chappuis: Right after the PyeongChang Olympics, I took the selection test to join Air France. I did everything, I did the training and now I have been a co-pilot on medium haul for eight months. It’s great, I’m discovering a whole new world. Every other day, I’m the pilot, but the captain makes the final decision. I went to Moscow, to Tel Aviv. It’s the most beautiful office in the world. We see the sun every day…
Find the original text (in French) here.
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