© Stade de France ®
Macary, Zublena et Regembal
Costantini - Architects
ADAGP - Paris - 2002
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COMPETITION  PORTRAITS |
 EUNICE BARBER : "I WANT TO SURPRISE MYSELF"
Julien Vitry
Eunice Barber will be one of the first French stars in action come Saturday. The heptathlete is bang in form, convinced she has put her injury worries behind her, and brimming over with self-belief.
Eunice, how are you feeling with the World Championships just hours away?
I’m fine. It’s been a tough year and I haven’t had all the time I would have liked to train, but the right sensations are starting to come back. I’ve been gradually finding my feet. It’s taken a lot of hard work to get back to my best.
What do you take from all the tough times?
Recently I’ve had to take a break, despite the fact that I always want to train. In the past I would have carried on training and that would have lead to injury. When you’re younger, it’s difficult to know when to stop. Now I know how to stand back and relax. I channel my strength to “useful” ends.
Do you feel the pressure less?
I have nothing to lose. I want to give it my best and get through to the end of the competition. I’m over the worst. In February I was paralysed by fatigue. I just felt I couldn’t go on. I don’t want to go through that again.
Heading to the United States seems to have done you the power of good.
I needed to go abroad, and I get on very well with Bob Kersee. He trusts me. He learns a lot about his sport as well by coaching me. He’s always enthusiastic and motivated.
Have you and Bob Kersee worked out the times and distances you’ll need if you’re to become world champion?
I have an idea, of course, but I’m not telling anyone. I want to surprise myself above all. And I don’t want to lose.
Who will be your main rivals?
I’m not concerned about the others. What counts are my aims, my performances. I’m thinking about myself, about what I’m capable of achieving in the light of my training.
But do you think you are as ready as in 1999?
Yes, and I feel better. I haven’t done all the preparation I needed, but I’m ok. I’ve made progress in a lot of disciplines, notably in the shot put and long jump.
And you will be performing in front of your home fans.
The fans will help me perform. They will be a bonus for me. I’m not worried about that.
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