World Aquatics, in collaboration with the Fédération Française de Natation (FFN) and the Cercle des Nageurs d’Antibes (CN Antibes), has unveiled its latest World Aquatics Training Centre in Antibes, France. This partnership aims to prepare international athletes from the World Aquatics Scholarship Programme for major global competitions. CN Antibes, led by Executive Director Frédéric Vergnoux, will mentor scholarship athletes from developing nations, offering them an optimal environment for preparation ahead of the World Aquatics Championships – Doha 2024 and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The World Aquatics Scholarship Programme
The World Aquatics Scholarship Programme, now in its 10th season, focuses on raising the level of athletes worldwide. Selected athletes, demonstrating strong international potential in events such as the World Aquatics Championships, World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m), and past Olympic Games, benefit from a one-year program. The initiative provides financial support and expert technical knowledge to athletes who lack optimal training conditions in their home countries.
Collaboration with CN Antibes
CN d’Antibes becomes the first World Aquatics Training Centre in France under this collaboration. Frédéric Vergnoux, a 5-time Olympic coach, brings his expertise to the program. Vergnoux, who has coached swimmers to Olympic and World medals, is well-regarded in the field. The program aims to offer aspiring athletes the necessary resources and support to enhance their skills and compete at the highest level.
World Aquatics President’s Enthusiasm
Husain Al-Musallam, President of World Aquatics, expressed his excitement about the collaboration with CN Antibes, marking a significant milestone for aquatics. He highlighted France’s rich history in swimming and anticipated that the Training Centre in Antibes would serve as inspiration for athletes preparing for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
CN Antibes and Frédéric Vergnoux’s Role
CN Antibes, renowned for its high-quality infrastructure, is an ideal choice for the new international Training Centre. Frédéric Vergnoux, appointed as CN Antibes’ Executive Director, brings a wealth of experience, having worked in seven different countries. His coaching achievements include breaking 288 national records and coaching swimmers to success at the Olympic Games and World Aquatics Championships.
Vergnoux, voted the best coach in the world in 2014, expressed his pride in returning to CN Antibes. He acknowledged the unique challenge in French swimming and looked forward to contributing to the club’s and international athletes’ success. The club, now an official World Aquatics Training Centre, aims to foster the co-development of club and international athletes.
CN Antibes’ Legacy
CN Antibes, founded in 1965, stands as one of France’s most awarded swimming clubs. With numerous Olympic and World Championship medals, French championship titles, European championship titles, and world records, CN Antibes has become a key player in swimming in France and globally. The creation of the International Centre, in collaboration with World Aquatics, aligns with the club’s commitment to excellence and contribution to world swimming.
Future Success and Collaboration
The collaboration between CN Antibes, FFN, and World Aquatics is viewed as a step toward contributing to world swimming. The creation of the Training Centre in Antibes is expected to provide a platform for athletes to train and progress within CN Antibes, fostering an environment of excellence and achievement.
FFN President Gilles Sezionale expressed satisfaction with the creation of the centre, considering it a new step in France’s contribution to world swimming. As the first World Aquatics Training Centre in France, CN Antibes is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future success of club and international athletes.
In conclusion, the establishment of the World Aquatics Training Centre in Antibes reflects a strategic collaboration between World Aquatics, FFN, and CN Antibes. This initiative aims to provide emerging athletes from developing nations with the resources and support needed for optimal preparation for major global competitions, including the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Frédéric Vergnoux’s leadership at CN Antibes adds significant expertise to the program, enhancing the overall impact of the World Aquatics Scholarship Programme. The centre’s creation aligns with the commitment to excellence and development in sports, contributing to the rich legacy of CN Antibes in the world of swimming.
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By- Sahiba Suri