Carole FERRIOU (FRA): “I am not the favourite”

FERRIOU: “I am not the favourite” Kaohsiung (TPE) – 24 July 2009   Carole FERRIOU (FRA) won the World Games in 2001 and several world titles. She retired in 2005 but came in back in 2007. One thing leading to another, she is back at the World Games!   Carole, how are you feeling at the beginning of another major event? It’s OK. However, I am not as confident as in the past. There are times when I am shooting really well and others when my game is completely off. Is it because I lack confidence or training or something else? I don’t know.   What brought you back to competition? Generally, we were missing some recurve female archers in the elite pool for team France. So the federation asked me if I wanted to shoot again and I tried. I am shooting all disciplines: outdoor, indoor and field. I could not qualify for the Beijing Games but I participated in some international field events: the European championships in 2007, the worlds in 2008 and now the World Games.     How are you training? I am trying to juggle family, work and archery. It’s not easy. The family is important and my husband also has an event company which demands some flexibility. On my side, I am a physical education teacher. I will be able to reduce my working hours next year, so I hope to practice more.   What do you expect from these World Games? I will do my best but I am not a favourite here. Moreover, there is no team competition. If I qualify for the semifinals, this will be a great performance. It will depend a bit on the courses. If they are technically difficult—with targets really up and down—then my experience will be an advantage.   “Bonne chance” Carole!   Didier MIEVILLE Communication FITA