Renaud Lavillenie at the Trocadéro in Paris (© Organisers)
Hi everybody!
I am still undefeated this summer, but I have mixed feelings so far. Apart from the IAAF Diamond League meeting in Shanghai, where I cleared 5.92m which was beyond my expectations, the conditions have been quite complicated in all of my competitions. Each time, there has been at least one disruptive element.
However, I feel that I’m getting stronger. Now I’m just waiting to have better conditions in order to show my form.
The two forthcoming competitions, in Lausanne and Paris, are very important for me. In Lausanne, I am almost in France and I am always welcomed very well. Two days after, in Paris, it is the meeting of the year for me; I cannot miss it. I have been undefeated at the Stade de France since 2008. Each time, it is amazing. I am eager to be over there.
Before this meeting, I will participate in the Event Paris Perche on Saturday (28), which is going to spice things up. I am going to jump at the Trocadéro, with the Eiffel Tower in the background. Usually, I do not really like official competitions in the streets, but this is going to be a demonstration, so I will be there for show! The place is extraordinary, with a gorgeous view. The entry will be free, in order to appeal to people who do not usually come to stadiums.
In other good early-season news, France finished third at the European Team Championships in Brunswick. We finally managed to finish on the podium, which hadn’t happened since 2008! In spite of a few mishaps, we managed to take up the challenge. This competition has been a real pleasure for me, and I had a great weekend.
For the past month, I haven’t spent more than 10 days at home. I’ve had some fun times, though. After the Ostrava meeting, I got the opportunity to drive a car in a straight line for 3.5km and I reached a speed of 260km per hour. Then in Oslo, we took a boat trip around the fjords and discovered some wonderful landscapes.
See you soon!
Renaud
