Interview conducted by Gérald MATHIEU.
Kevin, a week after having to stop your decathlon in San Diego after four events, what is your state of mind like?
Kévin Mayer: I am in a fairly relaxed state of mind. I have already returned to training and I am doing everything necessary to ensure that my next decathlon ends better.
Taking a step back from the events must not have been easy…
KM: Yes, I have taken a step back from the events. A decathlon is never easy. This year, it is better to start five and finish one properly without injury than to finish one with debts for the Olympics. So clearly, I will take the time and do what is necessary for everything to go well in the coming months.
Has the point of tension that caused you to stop been clearly identified?
KM: It is a point of muscle tightness in the adductor muscle of my right thigh. Clearly, what I want is for it not to tear! It passed at the 100m, it passed at the long jump, it passed at the shot put, it did not hold up in the high jump. It is related to the succession of the four events that put the most strain on my right thigh because afterwards, it is in semi-rest during the six other events. But there is nothing to worry about. There are plenty of dates and we will make the decision maybe a week before the decathlon.
So, wisdom prevailed?
KM: The decision is made before it becomes drastic. I know my body quite well in this respect and I know when to stop to avoid creating a debt for the Olympics.
You also developed a patellar tendonitis after losing a spike from your shoe during the long jump event…
KM: That’s where everything went wrong! Clearly, my left foot slipped at the moment of takeoff. It created tension and when you start a decathlon like that with a minor discomfort, it worsens throughout the events. So, it’s not something very serious but it can ruin a decathlon. I know that the general public doesn’t understand much about the decathlon, but believe me: every time I have made the qualifying standard, I’ve stopped at least 2 or 3 decathlons in the season, so I know what it’s like and I know that the general public doesn’t understand it…
How long do you give yourself before heading back to qualify for the Olympics?
KM: Clearly, I have until the end of June to qualify. I know I need a decathlon. I am quite reliable technically, so I am not very afraid of a zero in the decathlon. I give myself time for my body. I know that March-April is always a difficult period for my body. There are all the allergies that come out and I am very sensitive to that. So, clearly, I don’t give a date for the decathlons. From now on, there will be one practically every week in Europe. So, as soon as I feel good, I will do a decathlon.
If we follow your logic, it won’t be until the end of April or early May?
KM: Yes, that’s completely it. The idea is to give myself time. I know myself very well now. I am 32 years old and my experiences have shown me that I have often been right about when to stop and when to go. I know that people would like me to compete all the time but the reason I have been at the top level for twelve years now is also because I know when to stop. So, I don’t want to communicate a date for my next decathlon. There are plenty of dates and we will make the decision maybe a week before the decathlon, I think.
We talk about Brescia, the Canary Islands, the Cyclades, the French Decathlon Championships in Oyonnax to avoid too much media pressure: have you already decided on a shortlist?
KM: No matter where I am, the media pressure will be there because I went to San Diego to be quiet and the media followed me, so I think now, I can’t hide anymore. I have to deal with the media pressure. I realize that Paris 2024 is a whole different story compared to previous years and it’s something I have to accept, so I will really do it according to the period and not according to the place. It could be a very small decathlon, or it could be Götzis (One of the temples of the decathlon which will take place this year on May 18 and 19, editor’s note).
In terms of atmosphere and competition, could Götzis be the ideal decathlon?
KM: Götzis is one of the cradles of the decathlon, but the two times I went there, it had snowed once and it had rained the other two days! Well, I’m not going to lie, I love the intensity that Götzis represents but I really don’t like the conditions. So if I can avoid competing in Götzis… Even though it’s always a pleasure to meet the best of the best in the decathlon there, it’s not as enjoyable to run a 100m at 8°C or things like that.
After your failure in San Diego, you were not spared from criticism. Did it make you realize that the expectations towards you had reached a new level?
KM: Yes, I think so. I realized that and it did surprise me. At the time, I may have taken it poorly, but with a little hindsight, I tell myself that it is attention that I receive and I don’t want to dismiss it. On the contrary. It is true that there will always be people who are less attentive than others. And the more exposed we are, the more we are expected, and the more likely we are to encounter unpleasant comments. But I see it as a positive thing and I tell myself that it is just attention. People want to experience emotions through me in Paris, and I have to live up to this expectation. Above all, I do athletics for myself and I think that is the best way to move people on D-Day.
Can you imagine failing and watching the Paris Olympics on TV?
KM: It is inconceivable not to be in Paris. However, it could happen that I am not there, but I have not failed to qualify for years. I have always had this pressure of wondering if I would qualify. I have been a high-level athlete for a long time. These questions, when we ask ourselves them in anticipation and not in action, create sparks, but I know I am capable of doing it. I will doubt until the moment I am on the track and where I will express myself.
Are you decidedly optimistic?
KM: You know, going back to San Diego, I had a very good start to the decathlon because I ran 10.75 in the 100m, which is my second-best time ever. And normally, my peak is in April-May. So, from a statistical point of view, I am in very good shape. Now, I have many doubts because I had not competed since Budapest (the World Championships last summer), no 100m… It reassures me a lot about my level at that time, so I think I will be able to ease off training a bit to give myself a chance to…
