France’s Cucherat Juggles Coaching Exam with training (17th November, 2005)

Yann Cucherat is juggling training and studying to fulfil his dreams of a medal at the Beijing Olympic Games and becoming a gymnastics coach at the French Institute of Sport.

‘At both Sydney and Athens Olympic Games, I finished 6th place on parallel bars but for the Beijing Olympics, I would like to win a medal,’ he said adding that his plan was to retire from competition after 2008.

Cucherat has had to squeeze in time to prepare for a major exam early next year while also getting ready for these Championships. ‘I only get one chance for this exam. I must pass it to become a gymnastics coach in France,’ he said.

For these Worlds, the French man has devoted three months of solid preparation and is feeling confident. ‘I have done some good preparation. If I can work the same routine like I do during training every day, then I will be happy. I believe that I can enter the finals and after that, anything can happen.’

While he faces strong challengers from China, Japan, America and Slovenia, Cucherat believes his motivation will carry him through. ‘Ever since I became a gymnast 20 years ago, I have always been very motivated.’

Cucherat also has high hopes for his teammates. ‘They are all training very well and I believe that Danny (Rodrigues) will enter the finals in the rings and Raphael (Wignanitz) will do the same in the vault.’

Look for complete coverage of the 2005 World Championships in issue one of Backflip Gymnastics Magazine. Subscribe today!