European Champion and World Champion in Swimming
Camille Lacourt
Born in Narbonne, Camille Lacourt started swimming at the age of 5 in La Cabanasse, "to follow his father fishing...". There he met Richard Martinez, who remained his coach until 2006. That year, he joined the prestigious group led by Philippe Lucas in Canet-en-Roussillon.
Languages:
Employability:
Seminaire
Employability:
Seminaire,
About Camille Lacourt
After withdrawing from the European Championships scheduled in Eindhoven in early 2008, and experiencing a failed Olympic selection, Camille Lacourt decided to leave Philippe Lucas, whose training group had gradually disbanded. After a period focused on foundational training in Canet-en-Roussillon, he wanted to evolve in a more playful and collective environment. He then joined Romain Barnier at the Cercle des Nageurs de Marseille.
This change quickly proved beneficial: in 2009, in short course at Angers, he won two titles of French champion and also claimed the French records for the 50 m and 100 m backstroke.
Marked by the return to textile suits and the ban on swimsuits, the year 2010 broke with the previous two seasons and led to a general decline in performances. Nevertheless, Camille Lacourt adapted perfectly to this new context. At the French Championships in Saint-Raphaël, the backstroke specialist improved his personal record twice, bringing it to 53”29. That same year, he won three gold medals at the European Championships in long course in Budapest (50 m backstroke, 100 m backstroke, and 4×100 m medley).
In 2011, at the World Championships in Shanghai, Camille Lacourt became the world vice-champion in the 50 m backstroke and the world champion in the 100 m backstroke.
His national record is equally impressive: 17 medals at the French Championships in short course (6 gold, 5 silver, and 6 bronze) and 13 medals in long course (8 gold, 2 silver, and 3 bronze).
Beyond his athletic qualities, Camille Lacourt is recognized for his interpersonal skills and sense of communication. Elected European Swimmer of the Year 2011 by the European Swimming League, he has also shared his experience during professional conferences.