Laurent Chardard is one of the best French para-swimming athletes. He is also a member of the MGEN Athletes Team and speaks on topics related to inclusion, a theme close to his heart.
How did you join the MGEN Athletes Team?
MGEN contacted me to tell me what they were putting in place with regard to the athletes. And it’s true that it corresponded well to my profile, especially in relation to the commitments they already had with other athletes and the team they had brought together under the colors of MGEN. In this team, I know Lucas Mazur very well, he is an athlete with whom I train. It convinced me even more to join this team.
You work on topics related to inclusion, what does this theme represent for you?
Inclusion is my daily life. In particular, I participated in an event in Bordeaux: the Nuit des Relais, focusing on gender equality. I did not expect it to be such an important event. There were 80 teams of 5 people. I thought it was great that MGEN got involved in this type of subject, which is a strong and topical subject.
“I want to continue to engage on strong themes”
The Games are approaching, how will your commitment materialize in the months to come?
As Paris 2024 approaches, I want to continue to engage in strong themes, even if I will probably intervene less in events. Preparation takes precedence over everything else, I have been preparing for these Games for three years. I hope to be able, despite everything, to convey strong messages alongside MGEN.
What is your relationship with the rest of Team MGEN?
As I said, I know Lucas Mazur very well, but I haven’t been able to meet the rest of the team yet. But I can’t wait to chat with them, I’m passionate about sport in general, so it’s bound to be a match between all of us. Especially since for us, in addition to high-level sport, it is important to commit ourselves to strong subjects, each in their own field. This is a priority for MGEN and also for us, the athletes.
