This year, the Audencia-La Baule Triathlon association was chaired by Victoire, currently a second year student at Audencia. She looks back on the organization of an extraordinary sporting competition and the intense year she has just experienced.
The journey of the president of the Audencia-La Baule Triathlon association
Can you go back over your journey?
I am in my second year at Audencia, within the Grande École Program. I did two years of ECE preparation, before joining last year. I was then recruited into the triathlon association in November 2021 and took over my role in January of my first year at the school.
Why did you apply to the triathlon association?
I was not able to commit as a volunteer in my first year and I really liked the idea of organizing such an event. I really wanted to get involved in an association throughout my first year and triathlon is a unique experience, both from a personal and professional point of view. We meet partners, we have to make important decisions… Plus, I’m quite sporty and so it matched well with what I like.
How did your recruitment go?
There are 24 of us recruited to be part of the triathlon association. We have a first round which consists of a small interview with three members of the former mandate. There were 150 candidates initially, then there were 48 in the second round. We were in front of the 24 members of the association and we had to present something that resembles us, to see if our values stick with those of triathlon.
Then, the office is elected. I didn’t want to be president originally, I wanted to join the communications department. I ran at the last minute and was elected. We then have, between us, an election which takes place for each of the poles.
Behind the scenes of the organization of the Audencia-La Baule Triathlon
What is a first year at school like when you are president of the triathlon association?
It all started in January, but it was mainly administrative work that awaited me. I made the declaration to the prefecture of change of office, etc. The first months are quite calm. It starts in March-April, where I have a series of meetings with partners and service providers. The majority of centers are especially active during the summer.
During the summer holidays, I am doing an internship within the association, just like my two secretaries. We spend three months in Nantes to finalize the project. Back from vacation, at the end of August, it is the busiest time of the year. It’s a big rush and many emergencies have to be managed at the last minute. Fortunately, I work hand in hand with Hervé [président du triathlon, NDLR] who supports me, especially with partners.
When did you know that your team would also be in charge of the European Youth Triathlon Championship?
We started talking about it when I took my job, but nothing had been signed. Everything was signed later and we received the specifications in March. It was a lot of work and the beginnings were complex, because it was new for us! We are the only student association to have managed this type of event which involves experienced people.
Did this add additional stress?
It was a lot of constraints and pressure. The demands were high. The pressure mainly came from managing the timing. It was necessary to organize the European Championships and the classic Audencia-La Baule Triathlon. We didn’t expect Saturday to go so well.
Post-triathlon
Do you feel that organizing such an event is a plus for your CV?
For the moment, I have difficulty realizing that it was a real asset from a professional point of view. For now, I still haven’t looked for an internship because I’m going on exchange in January, so I’m having trouble identifying the added value. The partners thanked me and made me understand that, if I needed an internship, I was welcome. I have no doubt that the organization of the triathlon This will help me when looking for an internship. This is also the case for all team members.
How was the post-triathlon? Did you celebrate the end of the event?
Above all, it was a relief that everything went well. At the time, you don’t necessarily realize that it’s finished, because you still have to put everything away. But, on Sunday evening, we have a tradition of sharing a meal together and sharing our feelings and it was very hard to realize that everything was over and to return to Nantes. We have fond memories of it, it was a great experience.
