Two-time para-athletics world champion in the 100 metres and 200 metres and bronze medallist at the last Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Roger Habsch was hoping to win a medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. With just a few weeks to go before the big event, he tells us all about his preparations and expectations.
With just a few weeks to go to the start of the Games, what are the final stages of your preparations? How are you feeling?
I'm feeling good, despite the fact that there's still a lot of suspense. I'm well prepared, and my results in the various competitions have been good this year and last year. I just need to keep going in the same direction!
Where do you usually train?
I train every day in Liège, at the training centre just 5 minutes from my home. I've also spent some time with my parents in France, where I've been able to train every day.
The whole Belgium team will be staying in the same place in Paris during the Games. Are you looking forward to meeting up with all the Belgian athletes and experiencing all the excitement with them?
It's going to be great! I also experienced the Games in Tokyo, but it was completely different with the covid. Everyone was on their own, parked in their rooms after the events, so we weren't able to fully experience the euphoria of the moment. I'm really looking forward to experiencing it differently this time.
Are you planning to visit Paris before the start of the Games? If you already know the city, what are your favourite places in Paris?
I don't know if I'll have the time, but if I have a moment to relax I'd love to. I already know Paris well, I really like the quays along the Seine with the view of the Eiffel Tower, so maybe I'll have a bit more time after the Games.
Having recently won gold at the para-athletics world championships in the 100 metres and 200 metres and bronze at the last Games in Tokyo, are you dreaming of winning an Olympic medal in Paris?
Yes, I dream about it, especially as it was quite complicated in Tokyo. There was some sabotage and I ended up with a puncture just before starting the race. Without that, I think I could have won the gold, but there are so many parameters involved; the weather, the wind, etc. You can't predict anything in advance.
How did you feel about the sabotage in Tokyo?
I'll never understand it, because I don't believe in the values of the sport I defend. You don't do it for the medals or the money, because as a para-athlete you don't earn huge sums, and I do it above all for the love of the sport, so it's a shame it's come to this.
How do you see your competition for these games? Which competitor do you think is the most formidable?
Without a doubt, my biggest competitor is my Flemish colleague, Peter Genyn. There's also a very good Finnish athlete, but he's been injured recently and I'm afraid it's going to be difficult for him to take part. In any case, I hope he'll be back in top form, and it's even better if we can compete for the medals by giving it our all and playing fair. The most important thing is to offer great sport and to give it our all!
The para-athletics events will be held at the Stade de France in Paris. How does it feel to be performing in this legendary venue, in France, in a neighbouring country?
It's really great! It's a change from the Tokyo Games, where the stadium was empty because of the covid. You couldn't feel the atmosphere of the spectators in the stadium. But here I'm really looking forward to it, to being applauded and supported. What's more, the proximity of these Games will make it easier for our family and friends to travel and come and enjoy this extraordinary experience with me, and I'm already dreaming of feeling the big thrill!
France is a country you must have visited many times before. What cities have you visited before? What's your favourite destination and your favourite French dish?
I've already visited a few French destinations and I've got a big crush on the Ardèche and the Gorges du Verdon - they're two magnificent places!
When it comes to food, there are lots of delicious dishes in France, but I honestly don't think anything can beat good Belgian fries!
