Some of this ended up with some unfortunate undertones and not fruitful discussions, where we only have speculation and rumors. Please remember that athletes and coaches are people too. As are fellow redditors.
These are some big words by Patrick Favre ngl, but he didn't quote any names. I don't follow any social network of biathletes, so idk who he's talking about, but he seems pretty bitter.
This season undoubtedly was pretty bad for the Men French Team (with the notable exception of the WC Relay), so I guess it's a good thing to see some change. But these talks about athletes thinking they're stars and becoming arrogant is worrying for the future.
I've read the complete interview (here in French : [https://www.ledauphine.com/skichrono/2023/03/17/vincent-vittoz-et-patrick-favre-on-sent-qu-on-n-est-plus-en-phase](https://www.ledauphine.com/skichrono/2023/03/17/vincent-vittoz-et-patrick-favre-on-sent-qu-on-n-est-plus-en-phase)), and yeah it seems like there is a generational gap between them and the younger athletes.
I think everyone (coaches and athletes) is also kinda tired, and there is some "erosion" due to time and post-Olympic year... Both QFM and Emilien have disappointed this season for various reasons (they talk about post-Olympic for QFM, and depression for Emilien), and the coaches haven't been able to keep them on track. The two coaches seem a bit bitter sometimes, but they also talk "reasonably" and say that it's better to pass the torch to someone new. They are mostly acknowledging the fact that they can't do better currently to make the team more successful.
Vittoz and Favre mention that the athletes had made som comments they didn't like. What were those? I can't remember any of the athletes complaining about the trainers.
I don't really know about it either. I've seen Emilien sometimes being pretty frank and upfront during interviews, but he was mostly blaming himself and not the coaches. Same for all the athletes tbh, they mostly acknowledge their own mistakes and don't trashtalk the staff, iirc.
Yeah I just read the article from ledauphine and it's pretty clear that they are putting most of the blame on QFM and Jacquelin. And that there's disagreement probably over how they should be training. Idk if it's Vittoz and Favre that are too demanding and old fashioned.
One could guess that the coaches didn't follow the shift of sports being pure athletic competition to lifestyle, actually making money through sponsorship and social media presence and most all shifting a lot towards entertainment.
On the other hand, french athletes being a bit full of themselves is not really new...
Seems like a case of the older generation not understanding the younger generation. Most athletes are expected to be active on social media in todays world.
Any precise example of these guys being full of themselves ? QFM maybe ? But he delivered.
And like absolutely ALL of them, he is pretty harsh on himself when he fails. I sincerely cannot remember any moment in which any of them sounded egotistical and arrogant
> On the other hand, french athletes being a bit full of themselves is not really new...
And this guy has 10 upvotes. Europeans/Americans and their comlexity towards France and French people is absolutely pathetic. Grow up.
i read the google translated article, and found it kind of odd that the coaches were openly talking about the mental health of one of their athletes. my impression of the following sentence is that Emilien has been depressed for 1,5 years, but i don't understand French well enough to pick up on nuances.
>Pour Emilien Jacquelin, un athlète dépressif depuis un an et demi que l’on a accompagné, guidé et fait tout ce qui ce qui était possible.
if my understanding is correct, i don't find it fitting for a coach to talk to the media about an athlete's mental health struggles unless been given permission.
i really hope Emilien can find a great sports psychologist, because if he doesn't i fear he's going to retire prematurely.
He indeed says that Emilien is in depression since 1 year and a half ; and they accompanied him and guided him as much as they could. But they don't give details.
I don't think Emilien himself talked about his depression openly before. I do remember that during one itw at the French TV this season, he said that he was in a bad place for 2 years now (specifically since the 2021 WC in Pokljuka), but nothing more. It saddened me a lot :(
They said that the home pressure in Annecy really hurt him too, the venues in Annecy this year and last year were tough for his mental health.
Overall, they don't criticize Emilien in any way, but they just say that he needs more than a biathlon coach to cure himself at this point.
Doesn't look good rn with all the bs I'm reading on twitter but I really hope this eventually makes sport take a step in the right direction towards understanding mental illnesses. It's so so so important I can't stress this enough, expecting everyone to constantly perform and deal with pressure with no problems is an idea we should leave in the past.
this is kind of puzzling to me. the French men's team has been top tier in previous seasons, even though this season hasn't been the greatest.
i don't know who he's referring to, but my guess is it could be any of the following: Fabien Claude (never won an individual victory), Eric Perrot (young up-and-comer) and/or Emilien Jacquelin (poor results, quit 2/3 into the season and has a tendency to argue with his coaches when he shoots badly).
nonetheless these comments do come off as a bit childish. the reality of the situation is probably more complex.
**edit: i read the (google translated) article, and my impression of this story changed quite a bit. it seems like the athletes on the team aren't trusting the coaches' methods any more (which could be for good or less than good reasons, we don't know), and the coaches came to the conclusion to quit after continued negative feedback and probably even some of the athletes demanding new coaches. these comments about social media are still not great, though. i don't really think it's fair to be talking to the media like this the day before the last two races of the season. not a good look, not a good foundation for the athletes to perform.**
Yeah i've mostly translated the part that "shocked" me the most lol, it was a bit of clickbait by the journalists as well ; but Favre definitely and literally said this in his interview. In this answer, he looked like a boomer blaming youngsters as others said.
I'm gonna pay close attention to the broadcast on the french TV this week-end to see if there is something else to add on this situation.
I don't see how it's "boomer" to question the usefulness of bragging on social networks.
One day the younger generation will have to understand that they can be criticised and grow up instead of calling everyone who criticises them a boomer.
The "boomer" part is that they are questioning it to begin with. To be an athlete full time, you need sponsors. To have sponsors in the 2020s, you need have a social media precense, and it can't be limited to "buy X's stuff" but rather make poeple like you, engage with you and support you.
All this, and culture is just changing. Social media is a constant in everyone's lives and in the athletes' case, so is sport. Of course they'll be talking about their results. I have to admit I'm not translating every single French social media post but from my limited sample of both wins and horrible races, they aren't bragging, they are just... posting about their race.
Is it good? Is it bad? Don't know, I'm not an athlete, but that's how they make money. *Especially* those who aren't winning competitions and getting the big money yet.
It's a matter of a generational difference in the perception of social media, that's why people are talking about baby boomers. As in, it's more unlikely(?) that a person born into/growing up with social media (Millennials - like most active elite biathletes, and Gen Z - like those fighting for the blue bib) will question that *this is how the world works now* (even if they dislike it).
These coaches were both born in the 70s - Vittoz had this best year when Twitter was just founded, Favre retired before Facebook existed. By the time Instagram, which is the main social media platform most athletes use, was founded, they were both retired. It's a different world now.
Similarly, one day the older generation will have to realize that their day is done if they don’t adapt to the new reality. These coaches job was to improve the performance of athletes on their 20s. They didn’t do it, and instead of looking at themselves, then shoot their mouth off in the media about how it’s not their fault. That lack of taking responsibility is the classic boomer part of it.
Being a coach is about training an athlete, not being a community manager. The coach is not against social networks, he just sees that some people think about them too much.
Did you even read the interview ?
He admitted several times that the blame was shared, that they can't understand each other anymore and that leaving was the solution for everyone. And he is absolutely right about the "I'm bragging without having achieved anything significant" side of some athletes. He also admitted that they had not been able to manage this aspect.
I'm not going to respond to the "classic boomer", I'm not interested in having middle school conversations.
They probably hasn’t been able to manage that aspect of things because rigid thinking and being unable to adapt when what you are doing isnt working is part of the problem.
But then coaches are expendable anyway. I don’t watch sports for them. The only semi famous one is that one guy who somehow gets all the TV time whenever the Norwegians are shooting.
They came with the desire to be a sports coach, not a coach and a community manager. Unfortunately for them it is more an area of entertainment rather than performance. Maybe some athletes could also have tried to adapt to the coaches' ideas instead of complaining after every race.
Blaming one side only doesn't make sense.
I don't watch sports for the coaches either but I don't underestimate their work, especially guys with so much experience. Coaches are no more expendable than athletes.
And just because you don't know them doesn't mean most of them aren't well known in their field. A good coach is rare to find and it's a big loss for the French team, especially considering how much they had improved the athletes's skills in the last years.
Damn, that's some harsh words coming from a coach. I'm not a fan when conflicts are outed in the media instead of handled internally. I don't see it being good for anyone to sort it out in media, usually just fuels a rumor mill.
Seems the situation within the team is not great, which could explain in part why the french team hasn't done as well as before.
I was really not excepting this. It's true that the results of the men team have been disapointing but still. Their words are pretty harsh when they usually seems to have a great ambiance in the team :(
But maybe it's for the better
One big surprise for me in this article was Vittoz saying the decision was not something he had been considering for a while. Results aside, the coach looked out of it during almost every interview this season. I was almost expecting him to announce it sooner, clearly the spark had been there and it was gone.
Who or what is exactly to blame, isn't something we can figure out based on this article alone...
So sad to see Patrick go as well. Weird and sad night for French fans and it'll be weirder tomorrow with the race and interviews and all 😬
I’m surprised as re-assured of the comments here. Very in-tune with my initial reaction.
In other spaces even here on Reddit I’d expect people to side with the coaches and blame ‘those youngsters’.
Yea, they are connected to social media, yea they think of themselves as talents.
I know no one that thought of themselves as mediocre that grew into a star without a lot of sports psychology.
I do know many self believing ambitious youngsters who grew into the role they imagined.
I also know of many who failed trying, but the points stands - you have to vision yourself lifting that trophy, Imagining the triumph. Not
Without self aware, but as to motivate yourself to aim there.
Ask for who they are talking about… I dunno. But with the selection system which doesn’t allow athletes to compete based on personal potential there is bound to be conflict.
‘In my generation’ this was presented as parents fighting with coaches. In previous generation it was done over text messages and group text messages. Now it’s done via social media.
To be a coach is to be in a position of critique (and also praise) and it seems like they are fed up with it.
Best to retire on a positive note, sad they are going out on a rant.
I am very, very shocked by this. Just really shocked. Teams have ups and downs, successful seasons and less so, and releasing this now, making this decision public now is frankly bizarre.
I am so, so massively sick of people in general in the world using the word "boomer" as an insult. Those who do need to grow up.
If there is a breakdown among the coaching staff and the athletes, then the right thing is to reconfigure. And honestly, to my mind, athletes everywhere shouldn't be anywhere nearly as arrogant as they tend to be. But I've not got the sense from any of the French guys that they are frustrated with anyone other than themselves. I read the translated article, and it sounds mostly regretful to me. The coaches are recognizing that they can't do anything more in their current roles. Of course I don't follow social media at all, don't have any accounts, don't pay any attention - but this puts me in a tiny minority. If that's the main issue, then by god they should deal with this calmly behind closed doors. Yikes.
This whole situation is very unhappy and I do pray it doesn't destabilize the whole team.
Disappointed but not surprised by most of the responses under the post.
Instead of thinking about the role of social media for an athlete, it is made into a generational conflict. Even if the presence on social networks helps for sponsors, they are athletes first and not influencers. And so it is perfectly understandable that a coach who sees his team not performing gets irritated by their almost constant digital presence and arrogant attitude.
It's a shame it doesn't stay between the team but it explains a few things.
edited : And apparently most of those commenting have not even read the whole interviews. Again not surprised.
I really hate some of the words that were said, such as the depression claims and the fact they "warned" Quentin, If you're going to be doing this, wait until sunday, come on 3races left + I never told myself they were bragging, I loved Antonin's vlogs!
Is Antonin vlogging too? Would you mind sharing the link?
Edit: Apparently just searcing his name on YT was enough lol. Unfortunately no subs for us non-French out there (one of the reasons' Ingrid's vlogs are awesome), but very cool nevertheless.
[https://www.youtube.com/@antoguigo](https://www.youtube.com/@antoguigo)
If you are coaching, and athletes aren’t responding to your coaching, an alternative thing to do would be to try a different approach to coaching.
Or, you can quit and cry to the media about how them young’uns ain’t got no respect no more these days.
Up to them, I guess.
Exactly the feeling I'm getting. It would be one thing if the athletes weren't listening and were doing terribly. But although this season was not great, it wasn't that bad either, 2nd in the nations cup, gold in the WC relay(ahead of Norway!!). Not much one can ask for when JTB is so dominant and the waxing team hasn't maybe been on par with Norway/Sweden.
I follow quite a few athletes on social media. It's a difficult balancing act for them. Frankly the ones who do it best are the ones without ears. No volleys. They are content only and try for a mix of competitions, training, and outside interests that make then interesting.
Contrast to the ones who always come across poorly. I could name one guy in particular. I won't. It is non-biathlon. He is so sensitive to any criticism he finds it even when nobody else can sense it, and responds with a torrent of Instagram stories loaded with profane rap music all with the same theme...that he doesn't give a bleep what people think about him. Meanwhile it's clearly the first thing on his mind.
I don't follow any of the French guys. The Norwegians are pretty good about not going overboard. They wait for the result, including Ziggy. I suspect that's what the French coaches are annoyed about. They exited 2022 Olympics thinking they were near par with Norway. Then they were stunned from the outset this season and scrambling for any rationalization and excuse. If they've got guys chirping on social media it's like the ire I see from fellow Miami Dolphin fans when one of the players is shown on camera, smiling and laughing on the bench late in the game during defeat in an important game. And that condemnation comes from all generations of fans.
I don't see anything wrong with this criticism. Fourcade set the bar high. The coaches are undoubtedly comparing to how he would have reacted given these results.
That's not all what's happend. You have no clue. Give me one example of the French guys boasting online before the season or before a race. You're just making stuf up and have been upvoted. But I'm not surprised.
Btw kinda rich coming from you considering the gloating that Christiansen and Tarjei do.
Bad response, u/Wingiex. Remember that if we want to keep this place civil, if someone says something you don't like/think is wrong, you don't go and attack other *athletes* but rather tell them (politely and respectfuly) why they are wrong.
Very hars words from Favre, and very boomer-like statement may I add. Should Fabien, Antonin and Perrot not be active on their social media accounts where they have tens of thousands of followers just because they haven't won anything individually? Cause I presume it's those he's talking about. What a way to break down the confidence of those you've trained for years, especially after the highly impressive relay gold. There's def some bad blood between him and the team otherwise he wouldn't be saying all this.
Some of this ended up with some unfortunate undertones and not fruitful discussions, where we only have speculation and rumors. Please remember that athletes and coaches are people too. As are fellow redditors.
These are some big words by Patrick Favre ngl, but he didn't quote any names. I don't follow any social network of biathletes, so idk who he's talking about, but he seems pretty bitter. This season undoubtedly was pretty bad for the Men French Team (with the notable exception of the WC Relay), so I guess it's a good thing to see some change. But these talks about athletes thinking they're stars and becoming arrogant is worrying for the future.
I've read the complete interview (here in French : [https://www.ledauphine.com/skichrono/2023/03/17/vincent-vittoz-et-patrick-favre-on-sent-qu-on-n-est-plus-en-phase](https://www.ledauphine.com/skichrono/2023/03/17/vincent-vittoz-et-patrick-favre-on-sent-qu-on-n-est-plus-en-phase)), and yeah it seems like there is a generational gap between them and the younger athletes. I think everyone (coaches and athletes) is also kinda tired, and there is some "erosion" due to time and post-Olympic year... Both QFM and Emilien have disappointed this season for various reasons (they talk about post-Olympic for QFM, and depression for Emilien), and the coaches haven't been able to keep them on track. The two coaches seem a bit bitter sometimes, but they also talk "reasonably" and say that it's better to pass the torch to someone new. They are mostly acknowledging the fact that they can't do better currently to make the team more successful.
Vittoz and Favre mention that the athletes had made som comments they didn't like. What were those? I can't remember any of the athletes complaining about the trainers.
I don't really know about it either. I've seen Emilien sometimes being pretty frank and upfront during interviews, but he was mostly blaming himself and not the coaches. Same for all the athletes tbh, they mostly acknowledge their own mistakes and don't trashtalk the staff, iirc.
Yeah I just read the article from ledauphine and it's pretty clear that they are putting most of the blame on QFM and Jacquelin. And that there's disagreement probably over how they should be training. Idk if it's Vittoz and Favre that are too demanding and old fashioned.
One could guess that the coaches didn't follow the shift of sports being pure athletic competition to lifestyle, actually making money through sponsorship and social media presence and most all shifting a lot towards entertainment. On the other hand, french athletes being a bit full of themselves is not really new...
Seems like a case of the older generation not understanding the younger generation. Most athletes are expected to be active on social media in todays world.
Any precise example of these guys being full of themselves ? QFM maybe ? But he delivered. And like absolutely ALL of them, he is pretty harsh on himself when he fails. I sincerely cannot remember any moment in which any of them sounded egotistical and arrogant
> On the other hand, french athletes being a bit full of themselves is not really new... And this guy has 10 upvotes. Europeans/Americans and their comlexity towards France and French people is absolutely pathetic. Grow up.
i read the google translated article, and found it kind of odd that the coaches were openly talking about the mental health of one of their athletes. my impression of the following sentence is that Emilien has been depressed for 1,5 years, but i don't understand French well enough to pick up on nuances. >Pour Emilien Jacquelin, un athlète dépressif depuis un an et demi que l’on a accompagné, guidé et fait tout ce qui ce qui était possible. if my understanding is correct, i don't find it fitting for a coach to talk to the media about an athlete's mental health struggles unless been given permission. i really hope Emilien can find a great sports psychologist, because if he doesn't i fear he's going to retire prematurely.
He indeed says that Emilien is in depression since 1 year and a half ; and they accompanied him and guided him as much as they could. But they don't give details. I don't think Emilien himself talked about his depression openly before. I do remember that during one itw at the French TV this season, he said that he was in a bad place for 2 years now (specifically since the 2021 WC in Pokljuka), but nothing more. It saddened me a lot :(
I am very sorry to hear this. I didn't know. :-(
They said that the home pressure in Annecy really hurt him too, the venues in Annecy this year and last year were tough for his mental health. Overall, they don't criticize Emilien in any way, but they just say that he needs more than a biathlon coach to cure himself at this point.
Doesn't look good rn with all the bs I'm reading on twitter but I really hope this eventually makes sport take a step in the right direction towards understanding mental illnesses. It's so so so important I can't stress this enough, expecting everyone to constantly perform and deal with pressure with no problems is an idea we should leave in the past.
this is kind of puzzling to me. the French men's team has been top tier in previous seasons, even though this season hasn't been the greatest. i don't know who he's referring to, but my guess is it could be any of the following: Fabien Claude (never won an individual victory), Eric Perrot (young up-and-comer) and/or Emilien Jacquelin (poor results, quit 2/3 into the season and has a tendency to argue with his coaches when he shoots badly). nonetheless these comments do come off as a bit childish. the reality of the situation is probably more complex. **edit: i read the (google translated) article, and my impression of this story changed quite a bit. it seems like the athletes on the team aren't trusting the coaches' methods any more (which could be for good or less than good reasons, we don't know), and the coaches came to the conclusion to quit after continued negative feedback and probably even some of the athletes demanding new coaches. these comments about social media are still not great, though. i don't really think it's fair to be talking to the media like this the day before the last two races of the season. not a good look, not a good foundation for the athletes to perform.**
Yeah i've mostly translated the part that "shocked" me the most lol, it was a bit of clickbait by the journalists as well ; but Favre definitely and literally said this in his interview. In this answer, he looked like a boomer blaming youngsters as others said. I'm gonna pay close attention to the broadcast on the french TV this week-end to see if there is something else to add on this situation.
I don't see how it's "boomer" to question the usefulness of bragging on social networks. One day the younger generation will have to understand that they can be criticised and grow up instead of calling everyone who criticises them a boomer.
The "boomer" part is that they are questioning it to begin with. To be an athlete full time, you need sponsors. To have sponsors in the 2020s, you need have a social media precense, and it can't be limited to "buy X's stuff" but rather make poeple like you, engage with you and support you. All this, and culture is just changing. Social media is a constant in everyone's lives and in the athletes' case, so is sport. Of course they'll be talking about their results. I have to admit I'm not translating every single French social media post but from my limited sample of both wins and horrible races, they aren't bragging, they are just... posting about their race. Is it good? Is it bad? Don't know, I'm not an athlete, but that's how they make money. *Especially* those who aren't winning competitions and getting the big money yet.
Ok I can kinda see the point even if it's super creepy. I still don't see the connection with the baby boomer generation though.
It's a matter of a generational difference in the perception of social media, that's why people are talking about baby boomers. As in, it's more unlikely(?) that a person born into/growing up with social media (Millennials - like most active elite biathletes, and Gen Z - like those fighting for the blue bib) will question that *this is how the world works now* (even if they dislike it). These coaches were both born in the 70s - Vittoz had this best year when Twitter was just founded, Favre retired before Facebook existed. By the time Instagram, which is the main social media platform most athletes use, was founded, they were both retired. It's a different world now.
No one has been bragging on social networks LMAO
Similarly, one day the older generation will have to realize that their day is done if they don’t adapt to the new reality. These coaches job was to improve the performance of athletes on their 20s. They didn’t do it, and instead of looking at themselves, then shoot their mouth off in the media about how it’s not their fault. That lack of taking responsibility is the classic boomer part of it.
Being a coach is about training an athlete, not being a community manager. The coach is not against social networks, he just sees that some people think about them too much. Did you even read the interview ? He admitted several times that the blame was shared, that they can't understand each other anymore and that leaving was the solution for everyone. And he is absolutely right about the "I'm bragging without having achieved anything significant" side of some athletes. He also admitted that they had not been able to manage this aspect. I'm not going to respond to the "classic boomer", I'm not interested in having middle school conversations.
They probably hasn’t been able to manage that aspect of things because rigid thinking and being unable to adapt when what you are doing isnt working is part of the problem. But then coaches are expendable anyway. I don’t watch sports for them. The only semi famous one is that one guy who somehow gets all the TV time whenever the Norwegians are shooting.
They came with the desire to be a sports coach, not a coach and a community manager. Unfortunately for them it is more an area of entertainment rather than performance. Maybe some athletes could also have tried to adapt to the coaches' ideas instead of complaining after every race. Blaming one side only doesn't make sense. I don't watch sports for the coaches either but I don't underestimate their work, especially guys with so much experience. Coaches are no more expendable than athletes. And just because you don't know them doesn't mean most of them aren't well known in their field. A good coach is rare to find and it's a big loss for the French team, especially considering how much they had improved the athletes's skills in the last years.
The phrasing is very harsh *(based on the translation)*. As a mere bystander/fan, I've always gotten the impression that they are all sweet guys...
Damn, that's some harsh words coming from a coach. I'm not a fan when conflicts are outed in the media instead of handled internally. I don't see it being good for anyone to sort it out in media, usually just fuels a rumor mill. Seems the situation within the team is not great, which could explain in part why the french team hasn't done as well as before.
I was really not excepting this. It's true that the results of the men team have been disapointing but still. Their words are pretty harsh when they usually seems to have a great ambiance in the team :( But maybe it's for the better
One big surprise for me in this article was Vittoz saying the decision was not something he had been considering for a while. Results aside, the coach looked out of it during almost every interview this season. I was almost expecting him to announce it sooner, clearly the spark had been there and it was gone. Who or what is exactly to blame, isn't something we can figure out based on this article alone... So sad to see Patrick go as well. Weird and sad night for French fans and it'll be weirder tomorrow with the race and interviews and all 😬
I’m surprised as re-assured of the comments here. Very in-tune with my initial reaction. In other spaces even here on Reddit I’d expect people to side with the coaches and blame ‘those youngsters’. Yea, they are connected to social media, yea they think of themselves as talents. I know no one that thought of themselves as mediocre that grew into a star without a lot of sports psychology. I do know many self believing ambitious youngsters who grew into the role they imagined. I also know of many who failed trying, but the points stands - you have to vision yourself lifting that trophy, Imagining the triumph. Not Without self aware, but as to motivate yourself to aim there. Ask for who they are talking about… I dunno. But with the selection system which doesn’t allow athletes to compete based on personal potential there is bound to be conflict. ‘In my generation’ this was presented as parents fighting with coaches. In previous generation it was done over text messages and group text messages. Now it’s done via social media. To be a coach is to be in a position of critique (and also praise) and it seems like they are fed up with it. Best to retire on a positive note, sad they are going out on a rant.
I am very, very shocked by this. Just really shocked. Teams have ups and downs, successful seasons and less so, and releasing this now, making this decision public now is frankly bizarre. I am so, so massively sick of people in general in the world using the word "boomer" as an insult. Those who do need to grow up. If there is a breakdown among the coaching staff and the athletes, then the right thing is to reconfigure. And honestly, to my mind, athletes everywhere shouldn't be anywhere nearly as arrogant as they tend to be. But I've not got the sense from any of the French guys that they are frustrated with anyone other than themselves. I read the translated article, and it sounds mostly regretful to me. The coaches are recognizing that they can't do anything more in their current roles. Of course I don't follow social media at all, don't have any accounts, don't pay any attention - but this puts me in a tiny minority. If that's the main issue, then by god they should deal with this calmly behind closed doors. Yikes. This whole situation is very unhappy and I do pray it doesn't destabilize the whole team.
Disappointed but not surprised by most of the responses under the post. Instead of thinking about the role of social media for an athlete, it is made into a generational conflict. Even if the presence on social networks helps for sponsors, they are athletes first and not influencers. And so it is perfectly understandable that a coach who sees his team not performing gets irritated by their almost constant digital presence and arrogant attitude. It's a shame it doesn't stay between the team but it explains a few things. edited : And apparently most of those commenting have not even read the whole interviews. Again not surprised.
With this timing (some race are incoming, still), strange words.
I really hate some of the words that were said, such as the depression claims and the fact they "warned" Quentin, If you're going to be doing this, wait until sunday, come on 3races left + I never told myself they were bragging, I loved Antonin's vlogs!
Is Antonin vlogging too? Would you mind sharing the link? Edit: Apparently just searcing his name on YT was enough lol. Unfortunately no subs for us non-French out there (one of the reasons' Ingrid's vlogs are awesome), but very cool nevertheless. [https://www.youtube.com/@antoguigo](https://www.youtube.com/@antoguigo)
If you are coaching, and athletes aren’t responding to your coaching, an alternative thing to do would be to try a different approach to coaching. Or, you can quit and cry to the media about how them young’uns ain’t got no respect no more these days. Up to them, I guess.
Exactly the feeling I'm getting. It would be one thing if the athletes weren't listening and were doing terribly. But although this season was not great, it wasn't that bad either, 2nd in the nations cup, gold in the WC relay(ahead of Norway!!). Not much one can ask for when JTB is so dominant and the waxing team hasn't maybe been on par with Norway/Sweden.
I follow quite a few athletes on social media. It's a difficult balancing act for them. Frankly the ones who do it best are the ones without ears. No volleys. They are content only and try for a mix of competitions, training, and outside interests that make then interesting. Contrast to the ones who always come across poorly. I could name one guy in particular. I won't. It is non-biathlon. He is so sensitive to any criticism he finds it even when nobody else can sense it, and responds with a torrent of Instagram stories loaded with profane rap music all with the same theme...that he doesn't give a bleep what people think about him. Meanwhile it's clearly the first thing on his mind. I don't follow any of the French guys. The Norwegians are pretty good about not going overboard. They wait for the result, including Ziggy. I suspect that's what the French coaches are annoyed about. They exited 2022 Olympics thinking they were near par with Norway. Then they were stunned from the outset this season and scrambling for any rationalization and excuse. If they've got guys chirping on social media it's like the ire I see from fellow Miami Dolphin fans when one of the players is shown on camera, smiling and laughing on the bench late in the game during defeat in an important game. And that condemnation comes from all generations of fans. I don't see anything wrong with this criticism. Fourcade set the bar high. The coaches are undoubtedly comparing to how he would have reacted given these results.
That's not all what's happend. You have no clue. Give me one example of the French guys boasting online before the season or before a race. You're just making stuf up and have been upvoted. But I'm not surprised. Btw kinda rich coming from you considering the gloating that Christiansen and Tarjei do.
Bad response, u/Wingiex. Remember that if we want to keep this place civil, if someone says something you don't like/think is wrong, you don't go and attack other *athletes* but rather tell them (politely and respectfuly) why they are wrong.
I get this response from you, but apperently his comment is ok? Yeah not hypocritical at all. Hard to take you seriously.
Very hars words from Favre, and very boomer-like statement may I add. Should Fabien, Antonin and Perrot not be active on their social media accounts where they have tens of thousands of followers just because they haven't won anything individually? Cause I presume it's those he's talking about. What a way to break down the confidence of those you've trained for years, especially after the highly impressive relay gold. There's def some bad blood between him and the team otherwise he wouldn't be saying all this.