At 38, Bolade is the veteran of the French fencing team. He has already taken part in the Olympic Games in 2012 and 2021. He was crowned European team champion and even won an individual World Cup event. For his last dance, the current world number 12 hopes to shine at the Grand Palais in Paris. Note that his wife Manon Apithy-Brunet (European champion 2023 and Olympic vice-champion 2021) is also a member of the French sabre team.
Can you describe yourself in three words?
Strong, resilient and tenacious.
At what age did you start fencing and how did you get into it?
I started when I was six. It all started when I saw a photo in a magazine that fascinated me. I told my parents I wanted to try it. Luckily, a trainer came to my school to give a demonstration, and that's when it all started.
What inspired you to set your sights on performance?
Initially, I competed for pleasure. Little by little, as I won races, I realised that I had potential. That pushed me to keep going and keep aiming higher.
How do you cope with the pressure of competition and adversity?
It depends on the moment. Sometimes I can handle the pressure, and other times it's more difficult. What's easier is direct opposition, because your opponent is just like you, with the same desire to win. It's more complicated to deal with the outside environment, which can be destabilising. Adversity is very instinctive, almost animal-like: it's him or you.
How are the Paris 2024 Olympic Games different for you, and what do they represent?
The Paris Olympics are special because they're being held at home. It's easier for our loved ones to come and support us, and there's an incredible energy and atmosphere around us. You can feel that the whole country is behind you. These aren't just the Olympic Games, they're the Olympic Games for all the people of France. It will be a great celebration where we can all enjoy together.
You're preparing for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with your wife (Manon Apithy-Brunet). How are you getting on?
Going through this competition with Manon is an incredible experience. We share the same passion. When things are going well, we pull each other up. And if one of us is going through a more difficult period, the other is there to support him, because we know each other better than anyone else.
What are you most proud of, in your sporting career or otherwise?
It's difficult to choose. I'm proud of my career in general, of everything I've achieved in my life.
Do you have a tradition or ritual before a competition?
(Laughs) I go to the toilet! No, actually, I don't have any particular ritual. I try not to do the same thing every time, to avoid falling into a routine. That helps me stay flexible and deal with the unexpected.
Do you have any anecdotes about your collaboration with the brand?
When I told my friends that I'd signed with Le Coq sportif, they joked that it suited me because ‘I'm a rooster’ (in reference to the brand's symbol). It amused me and I felt good about the partnership. I think I represent the brand well and I try to do it with pride.
What's your favourite item from the Equipe de France range?
The podium tracksuit. And that's perfect, because I'm going to look really smart when I go for my medal!
