Lacourt hoping to make big impression

AFP News – Mon, Jul 23, 2012 10:46 PM PHT

SCRIPT :

Camille Lacourt is one of the French swimming team's best hopes for a medal when he goes for gold in the 100m backstroke.

The 29-year old has an outstanding pedigree, two years ago he was crowned European champion and last year he shared the gold medal at the World Championships in Shanghai after finishing with exactly the same time as compatriot Jérémy Stravius.

Now he is ready for the big one.

SOUNDBITE 1 Camille Lacourt, World 100m backstroke champion (French, 19 sec)
"The Olympics is the high-water mark, the final competition, it is the dream of every sportsman to take part. I have this oppertunity and I am going to try and take full advantage . I am not someone who feels lots of pressure so on that level everything is fine. I have a lot of desire, a strong determination and I really want this."

As befits the Olympics, Lacourt will come up against a formidable opponent in the form of Matt Grevers. The American clocked the fastest time of the year in the 100m backstroke at teh US Olympic trials in June.

Grevers also has experience having won silver in Beijing four years ago - it all adds up to a mouthwatering contest - one Lacourt is looking forward to.

SOUNDBITE 2 Camille Lacourt, World 100m backstroke champion (French, 12 sec)
When I finish even if I finish third, fourth or don't even reach the final as long as I have given my al and it was a case of him being stronger - that is sport. But I will do my best to make sure this doesn't happen. “

Lacourt is very much the poster-boy of the French team with a number of commercial endorsements back in his homeland.

Last year, his public profile was occasionly something of a distraction, this year however he is fully concentrated on bringing home the biggest prize of all.


SHOTLIST :
Various dates and locations in France
(SOURCE: AFPTV)

- VAR Camille Lacourt training, DUNKIRK, 18 July 2012

SOUNDBITE 1 DUNKIRK, 18 July 2012

- VAR Camille Lacourt at French championships, DUNKIRK, , 18 March 2012

SOUNDBITE 2 DUNKIRK, 18 July 2012

- Camille Lacourt during press conference, DUNKIRK, , 18 March 2012

- VAR Camille Lacourt, at French training camp, VAL D'ISERE, 29 August 2011

Overall Medal Count

Country Gold Silver Bronze Total
1 United States 46 29 29 104
2 China 38 27 23 88
3 Great Britain 29 17 19 65
4 Russia 24 26 32 82
5 South Korea 13 8 7 28
6 Germany 11 19 14 44
7 France 11 11 12 34
86 Philippines 0 0 0 0
Full Medal Count »

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