At Ermitage International School Paris, we believe students can thrive both academically and personally. Charles is a perfect example of this balance—an IB Diploma Programme student and national-level athlete who proves that passion and performance can go hand in hand.
From the moment Charles, IB DP2 student at Ermitage International School Paris, first stepped onto the track, it was clear he had something special. In just five years, he has progressed from a promising newcomer to a consistent national-level competitor—qualifying for five consecutive French National Athletics Championships. This remarkable feat speaks volumes about his dedication, discipline, and talent. Specialising in long jump and triple jump, he has experienced the highs of personal bests and finals, and the lows of injury and narrow misses. Through it all, Charles’s drive to improve and his passion for pushing boundaries have never wavered. At only 17, he is already competing in the U20 category, proving that age is just a number when determination and discipline lead the way. In this article, Charles reflects on his journey, the challenges he overcame, and what lies ahead on his path to international competition.
How long have you been involved in athletics?
I have been involved in athletics for 5 years now. During my first year, I was already getting good results and went to the national championships. It was only at the beginning of my 3rd year that I started specialising in long jump and triple jump. During my first season in the U18 category, I went to the national championships both for indoor and outdoor, and this was a real accomplishment. In the outdoor season, I finished 9th while being 15. Last season, I qualified for both the indoor and outdoor national championships and finished fourth, while just missing the national selection for the European championships.
This season is my first in the U20 category, and I have managed to qualify again, making me the only athlete of my year to qualify for 5 straight national championships. From the end of last season till now, I had sustained an injury which had not helped the performances, but I am very happy with my accomplishments and wish to do better this summer.
What inspired you to start?
I’ve always been drawn to pushing my limits and seeing what my body is capable of. Triple jump stood out to me because of the precision and power it requires. There’s something about the feeling of hitting the perfect hop, step, and jump sequence that’s incredibly satisfying.
Can you share one of your most memorable moments from a competition?
My first ever outdoor national championships were a very memorable moment because it was my first time I had made the final. In the qualification, I was feeling well and on the day of the final I was excited to see what would happen. At the end I did a solid performance but was still disappointed after because I thought I could have done better even though I was only 15 competing against 17-year-olds. When I took the time to digest it, I felt like I was too hard on myself, and I was able to gain a lot of confidence from that.
What has been the most challenging part of your athletics career so far?
The most challenging part has been dealing with the ups and downs of competition and training. There are days when things click, and you feel unstoppable, and others where nothing goes right. Staying mentally strong and pushing through those tough moments is just as important as the physical training. An example of this would be when I just missed out on the national selection, because when you are so close you just ask yourself what could have been done better, but mentally you have to stay ready for what's ahead.
And how did it feel to narrowly miss out on selection for the European U18 Championships?
Missing out on the European U18 Championships was tough at first, and it seemed like a disappointment, but looking back at it, I think it will fuel my desire to come back stronger. Sometimes setbacks teach you more than victories.
How have you managed to stay at such a high level over the years?
Consistency is key. I’ve learned that success isn’t about sudden leaps but steady progress. A turning point was when I really started to focus on the technical aspects of the jump, breaking things down step by step and trusting the process. My coach has always helped me achieve what I want and has been able to help me stay at this high level.
How did you find out about your qualification, and what was your initial reaction?
I had had a complicated indoor season, and therefore I was not sure to be qualified, as the level of performance was higher now that I had changed category. In the end, I was very happy to have qualified and that I could share that moment with family and friends.
What does qualifying for the French National Athletics Championships mean to you personally?
It means a lot. It is great to see that the tough training sessions and sacrifices that you make have a positive outcome. More than that, it’s a reminder that I belong at this level and have the potential to go even further.
How important was that victory for you, and how did it shape your approach to future competitions?
This was my first major championship victory, and it meant a lot to me as I was able to beat my personal best from back then, and it was a turning point because it showed me that I’m capable of competing at the highest level. It reinforced the importance of trusting the training process and staying composed under pressure.
Now that you've qualified again for the French National Athletics Championships, what are your goals for the upcoming competition?
I have the World U20 championships in the summer of 2026. That would be my ultimate goal, but if I manage to improve my personal best and compete with confidence, I will be able to reach it in a bit more than a year's time.
What’s your approach to staying fit and maintaining peak performance, and how do you manage the demands of training?
It’s all about balance. I focus on proper nutrition, recovery, and sleep. Training is intense, but I’ve learned to listen to my body and avoid overtraining. I train 6 times a week for a total of around 15 hours. Mental preparation is just as important as physical training. I've learnt that visualisation and staying calm before competitions make a huge difference.
Outside of athletics, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
When I’m not training, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, relaxing, and exploring other interests like different sports, playing video games, or just unwinding. It’s important to have balance, especially when training at a high level.
How do you see your athletics career progressing after you finish high school?
Next year, I will be going to EDHEC Business School in Lille and therefore will be going to the Lille Métropole Athlétisme which is one of the biggest clubs in France. I believe I will be able to manage my time, and I also think it is important to do something you love as well as sport to keep your mind off of school sometimes.
What lessons or skills have you learned from athletics that apply to other aspects of your life?
Athletics has taught me discipline, resilience, and time management. Balancing training with schoolwork has shown me the value of organisation and staying calm under pressure. It’s also taught me that setbacks aren’t failures, they are opportunities to learn and come back stronger.
