Interview: Tokyo 2021 - Claire Michel

In the anticipation of Tokyo 2021, we interviewed our qualified athletes before they pack their bags! This week in the spotlight: Claire Michel.

• Claire Michel / 13-10-1988 / Brussels, Belgium / Triathlon

"Yes, I am ready to race in Tokyo. For me, this extra year was a blessing giving me more time to rehab from a knee accident, so I am happy to be progressing well now and training & racing consistently."

"If I wasn't a triathlete (and I can't choose to be a swimmer, cyclist or runner) I would like to do a team sport like field hockey."

"I started triathlon at the age of 24."

"As I mentioned above, the extra year postponement of the Games has been fairly positive for me with regard to my 18-month rehab process. My running is gradually coming back to its previous level, and I'm training consistently in the cycling and swimming as well. I'm fortunate to be able to train in Portugal for most of the winter with my coach and training group: the Triathlon Squad, which also included my team mate Valerie Barthelemy. The hardest part of these last few months of training have been the Head Adaptation Protocol to get ready for the climate in Tokyo. (4x per week cycling in a chamber around 38-39 degrees and 60-70% humidity)

"I don't know if this is the proudest, but winning the Olympic Qualification event with the Belgian Hammers this year in May 2021 and also getting bronze with the Belgian Hammers in the European Champs in 2018 were special moments as a team."

"The corona pandemic gave me extra time to become a more well-rounded athlete and properly rehab from a serious knee injury."

"I leave for Tokyo on Saturday July 27th with Valerie."

"The women individual race is on July 27th at 6:30 AM local time (11:30 PM on July 26th in Belgium). The Mixed Team Relay is on July 31 at 7:30 AM local time (00:30 on July 31 in Belgium)."

"My ambitions for Tokyo are performance related: to execute the best race across all three disciplines. I think this will translate to a top 16 result. For the Mixed Team Relay I think top 6 is possible and we are also an outside shot for a medal." "

"Asthon Eaton, decathlete (biased as a friend) or my mom Colette Crabbe (but again baised). In reality, Michael Phelps was someone I looked up to as a kid and his credentials are incredible."

"I tested the products thanks to fellow triathlete Jelle Geens and liked the taste and I could easily digest the products thanks to the quality ingredients."

"It's really a tie between the Energy or Isotonic drink, which I use most frequently, but the Hydro/ORS sticks have been important for our Heat Prep Protocol. The Whey Protein is also important with so many sessions back to back."

"See above. But basically, 3-4 daily trainings make it hard to keep energy up with solid food alone and also balance recovery. The ORS is important for heavy sweating sessions."

"Going for my first long ride without a gel or bar to eat. I had never heard of a bonk before, but experienced it first hand.

"6D Energy drink red orange flavor for racing."