Two Swiss fencers will compete in the fencing tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Pauline Brunner from Neuchâtel and Alexis Bayard from Valais, who secured their spots at the last minute, spoke out six days before the opening ceremony of the XXXIII Olympic Games.
Brunner, the first Swiss woman to participate in fencing since the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Games and a recent winner of two international podiums, does not aim to be merely a symbolic figure. “With my coach, we will prepare so I am in the best shape possible” she says. “If the stars align, there is a possibility of going for a medal, I will focus on that,” she adds.
Ranked nineteenth in the world, the Neuchâtel athlete focused a significant part of her preparation on managing her emotions with the help of a mental trainer. “I know there are certain emotions I shouldn’t listen to. When I start to get stubborn regarding something or I’m a little too negative. When I can be focused on one thing, free in my head, that’s when I’m strongest.”
Fencing: Swiss Pauline Brunner and Alexis Bayard qualified for the Olympic Games / Sport latest / 4 min. / yesterday at 22:30
Bayard, on the other hand, has dedicated the last two years to climbing from 115th in the world to 16th, and as an underdog, believes he has a shot at a surprise victory. “The outsider card, of having this qualification at the last moment, is easier to play than if you are world number 1 and you really have to hope to get a medal. So, I will try to play this card to the fullest. I know there will be only positive things to remember during these Games. I will compete without fearing losing anything.“
Like Brunner, the Valaisan has been working with a mental trainer to manage pressure. “The more I had this chance to qualify for the Olympics, the more, it’s true, I felt this pressure, it still got to my head a little. I also took this year to focus solely on fencing, putting all the chances on my side. I saw that sometimes it was almost too much and that I didn’t have other things to free my head and put things into perspective a little.“
RTS Sport
Swiss Fencers Ready to Shine at Paris 2024 Olympics
Six days before the opening ceremony of the XXXIII Olympic Games in Paris, Switzerland’s fencing contingent is ready to take on the world. Pauline Brunner from Neuchâtel and Alexis Bayard from Valais, both late-comers to the Games, are determined to make their mark on the international stage.
Pauline Brunner: From Figurehead to Medal Contender
Brunner, the first Swiss woman to compete in fencing at the Olympics since Rio de Janeiro 2016, enters the tournament with two international podium finishes this season. Her determination is clear: “With my coach, we will prepare so that I am in the best shape. (…). If the stars are aligned, there is a possibility of going for a medal, I will focus on that.“
The 19th-ranked fencer has dedicated a crucial part of her preparation to mastering her emotions, working closely with a mental trainer: “I know there are certain emotions I shouldn’t listen to. When I start to get stubborn regarding something or I’m a little too negative. When I can be focused on one thing, free in my head, that’s when I’m strongest.“
Fencing: Swiss Pauline Brunner and Alexis Bayard qualified for the Olympic Games / Sport latest / 4 min. / yesterday at 22:30
Alexis Bayard: Seizing the Outsider Advantage
Bayard, on the other hand, has climbed the ranks from 115th to 16th in the world over the last two years. He embraces his outsider status as a potential source of strength: “The outsider card, of having this qualification at the last moment, is easier to play than if you are world number 1 and you really have to hope to get a medal. So, I will try to play this card to the full, I know that there will only be positive things to remember during these Games. I will shoot without being afraid of losing something.“
Like Brunner, the Valaisan has honed his mental game with a trainer, working to mitigate pressure: “The more I had this chance to qualify for the Olympics, the more, it’s true, I felt this pressure, it still got to my head a little. I also took this year to do only fencing, to put all the chances on my side and I saw that sometimes it was almost too much and that I didn’t have other things to free my head, to put things into perspective a little.“
Mental Fortitude: The Secret Weapon
Beyond their physical skills, both Brunner and Bayard recognize the importance of mental preparation. By working with mental coaches, they are actively addressing the pressures and emotions inherent in high-stakes competition. They are not only honing their fencing abilities but also building the mental toughness necessary to thrive on the global stage.
Navigating the Pressure: Tips for Success
For aspiring athletes, the experience of Brunner and Bayard offers valuable insights:
- Embrace the Outsider Advantage: Leverage your underdog status to unleash unbridled potential. Fearless competition can lead to unexpected triumphs.
- Master Your Emotions: Identify and address emotional triggers that can impact your performance. Mental preparation is crucial for success, especially under pressure.
- Find Balance: Prioritize your sport without neglecting other aspects of your life. Seek outlets for stress relief and maintain a healthy balance for a strong mind and body.
Swiss Fencing: A New Era of Excellence
With their dedicated training and unwavering focus, Brunner and Bayard represent a new era of excellence for Swiss fencing. As they step onto the world stage in Paris, their dedication and resilience offer an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance. The Swiss fencing community is eagerly anticipating their performances and the potential for a memorable Olympic journey.
Keywords
Swiss fencing, Paris 2024 Olympics, Pauline Brunner, Alexis Bayard, Olympic qualification, mental preparation, mental toughness, outsider advantage, pressure management, fencing strategy, fencing techniques, Swiss sports, sports psychology.
