Brian Joubert: "It's just practice for Sochi"
ÂMarch 27, 2012
By
Titanilla Bőd
Photos © Titanilla Bőd
For a long time he said he would end his career after his home World Championships in Nice. Now, however, he is determined to continue until Sochi. He is so focused on this goal that he even takes these Worlds as just practice for the Olympics. Brian Joubert, the French star, is prepared for the challenge.
How do you feel before the World Championships in your home country?
I feel confident. We worked a lot; we had a lot of discussions with my coach trying to fix some things before these Worlds. I feel okay, I just want to fight and show a good side of me.
In the past you’ve stated several times that there’s extra pressure on you when competing in France. Do you feel that pressure now?
I don’t feel any pressure; I just want to have fun. We are very lucky to have this competition in France and I will enjoy the event as much as I can.
You won the Challenge Cup, where you landed two quads in the short program: a toeloop and a Salchow. Will you do it in Nice as well?
I don’t know, but I want to do two clean programs and I don’t want to make any mistakes. I know that I don’t perfectly control the two quads in the short program, so I probably won’t take this risk. Mentally it’s difficult; it’s such a big risk for this competition. At the Challenge Cup I tried it just for fun and to prepare for next season.
You used to say that these Worlds would be your last competition, but you recently revealed that you want to continue until Sochi. When and why did you change your mind?
I never changed it, I always thought I wanted to go to Sochi; I just didn’t talk about it. I don’t want to stop like this; I really want to go to the next, for me the last, Olympic Games.
So far you’ve had such bad luck at the Olympics…
I just have to work to be in good condition and get ready for the Olympic Games. I’m starting to prepare now. Even if this is a World Championship, it’s just practice for Sochi.
You have a new assistant coach, Patrick Gueppe. What’s the collaboration with him like?
He is the second coach in Poitiers. Before this season I’d never worked with him. But now I wanted to work with two coaches, because I’d like to hear two different opinions on my practice. They both focus on everything: technique, my programs, the spins… I spend more time with Veronique (Guyon – Brian’s main coach), she knows me the best, but I need to see other coaches. I want to take the best from each coach. I’m 27 years old, I have a lot of experience and I know what’s good and bad, but I want to discuss it with my coaches as well.
One last question: there was a video clip about your animals and your house is like a zoo! Who takes care of your pets when you and your mum are at competitions?
My dad and my sister :)
