The United States Paralympic team has set up camp at the high-performance sports complex in Eaubonne, just 20 kilometres north of Paris. Here the athletes can access top-of-the-range training facilities, consult with their medical staff and enjoy some home-cooked meals.
The US has the fourth largest delegation at the Paris Paralympics with 220 athletes (110 men, 110 women), just behind China, Brazil, and France.
A crucial part of preparing for the Games is having a dedicated base where athletes and staff can train and interact, away from the media spotlight and the buzz surrounding the Athletes’ Village.
Athletica, a complex catering for both indoor and outdoor sports 15kms away from the Stade de France, fitted the bill perfectly according to its president, Xavier Haquin.
He says the centre, which has undergone a major overhaul to make it completely wheelchair accessible, resembles a “mini Olympic village” and has a “great atmosphere”.
Blue and red banners with the American slogan “One for All” have been pinned to the fences around the athletics tracks and on the walls and doors of the numerous indoor gyms, where athletes in goalball, sitting volleyball, and fencing are busy training.
Long partnership
In charge of Olympics and Paralympics for the Val d’Oise region, Haquin says Athletica has ample accommodation for staff, medical and well-being facilities, a spacious new canteen, and is close to a main train station.
“Being motivated is clearly one of their secrets to winning medals,” he told journalists, adding that the successful first two weeks of Olympics (26 July – 11 August) left Team USA suitably impressed.
“They have staff with them, they’re looked after, and they are prepared,” he says, adding that American and French representatives had worked hand in hand for the past six years to ensure everything goes smoothly during the Games.
Sydney Satchell plays sitting volleyball and is thrilled to be competing in her first Paralympics.
The young woman, who lost her left leg in a car accident some years ago told journalists she was grateful to have a few days to get used to Paris time.
Having a dedicated hub for training means getting to know the rest of the team, especially when you’re new to the Paralympic circuit, she says.
“I get to talk to people I’ve only ever seen in commercials and on billboards and make new friends,” she said.
She appreciates having unlimited court space as well as having access to health professionals such as chiropractors, massage therapists among others.
“I’d never played organised volleyball before so to be here at the ripe age of 32, playing on the world stage – it does not compare to anything that I’ve ever experienced. Being here today is a dream come true," she added.
Justin Phongsavanh from Iowa, is one of the 150 para-athletes using the facilities at Athletica. Paralysed below the waist after being shot in 2015, the 27-year-old throws the javelin from his wheelchair.
Having already competed in the Tokyo Olympics, where he earned a bronze medal, he's accustomed to the logistics of traveling long distances for such events.
“The dining hall is very spacious, one of the biggest I’ve ever seen,” he told journalists. He is also impressed with the wide range of foods on offer from different cultures. “France has some of the best bread I’ve ever had,” he adds.
Taste of home
Nutrition is taken very seriously by Team USA, who have brought two of their own chefs from the national headquarters in Colorado Springs to Paris, assisted by some local chefs.
Chief nutritionist Brian Knutson says it’s a step up from the Tokyo Games, where they were not able to cater the meals themselves.
“Bringing familiarity and home comfort” through food for athletes is key to their well-being, he says.
On the topic of food, Haquin says he noticed that the Americans had developed a certain fondness for croissants at the local bakery, which has run a roaring trade since the arrival of Team USA.
He suggested this ‘je ne sais quoi’ may even contribute to their heightened performances on the field.
Jokes aside, Haquin says Athletica and the local community will continue to profit from this unique legacy and enthusiasm connected to the Olympics.
But for him, the centre will continue to function as it always has done: providing high-level training and competition venues throughout the year for French and international sports clubs and schools.
“Athletica represents the same spirit that we had instilled before the Games,” he says.
