Like we all know, specifically in France, this summer is a sporting one with the launching of Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The most important and sports event of the World, gathering on July 26th thousands of sportsmen and women, coaches, and supporters. So, we have thought, that communicate this sport spirit all along the summer, to the workers and holidaymakers will be such a pleasant idea.
Let’s start officially with this blog articles series: "Abyss Ingredients at the heart of sport" dedicated to sport practice of our athletes, but also our Abyss team… Stay tuned!
Portrait of the day: Mathilde Chataigner
Mathilde Chataigner is our R&D project manager and nutrition PhD at Abyss. Beyond her expertise, her proactivity and her sens of humour at work since more than 7 years, discover her from another side: sport and specifically tennis.
Mathilde practise tennis since 12 years. A sport which always sounds like an evidence , because all she ever knew was tennis and bodybuilding, which she still practises to this day. |  |
Today she handles at once her sa R&D project manager and PhD career and her passion for tennis.
We are very proud to present a little part of her sport through this interview.
What values does sport pass on to you?
« First and foremost, I'd say tenacity, because in tennis, if you give up as soon as you lose a point, you'll never progress or improve.
Discipline is also important, because experience is gained through training: if you don't train, you won't improve.
And finally, I'd say self-control; knowing how to keep calm in all circumstances is more than essential. Not letting your emotions overwhelm you when you see that you're losing your footing, that you're failing or that the game isn't going in your way.»
What role does sport play in your daily life and what do you gain from it?
« Sport is essential, that's for sure. I have to play almost 3 hours of tennis a week and approximately 3 hours of weight training during the week in addition to tennis. So yes, it's quite a big part of my daily routine, as I do between 5 and 10 hours a week.
Doing sport obviously has its benefits, particularly on my sleep: it takes up a lot of energy, so it generates fatigue and then I get a good night's sleep, which is really restorative. And it's also undeniably liberating: because you can really think about something else.»
How do you manage work, personal life and physical activity?
« Je pense que c’est une organisation à avoir. Avec le tennis, je sais que j’ai des créneaux dédiés, donc j’y vais de manière habituelle et non réfléchie, puisque ça fait partie intégrante de mon emploi du temps.
Pour la musculation, ça varie avec le temps que j’ai devant moi, mais concernant le tennis, je suis inflexible. » «I think it's something you need to organise. With tennis, I know that I have dedicated slots, so I go there as usual without thinking about it, because it's an integral part of my schedule.
For weight training, it depends on how much time I have, but as far as tennis is concerned, I'm inflexible.»
How do you deal with "procrastination" in sport?
« I'm convinced it's a question of discipline. If you don't do it, nobody will do it for you or tell you to do it, it's you versus yourself.
It also depends on your objectives: if you want to evolve, progress or develop your sport skills, you must train. Having goals reduces your chances of procrastinating.»
Which athlete inspires you across all disciplines?
« I would say a legend in my sport, none other than Serena Williams. I love her fighting spirit: she fought for the rights of women, particularly black women, to access and recognition in sport. Not only she have such encouraging values, but she is also very impressive in her way of playing. »
Do you take food supplements?
“So yes, I do. I use collagen for my joints, which is essential, given the shocking impact that tennis has on my body. And I also take Whey for extra protein.”
What does a typical training session look like for you?
« First you arrive and you warm up. This stage is particularly important for physical preparation: you don't just pick up your racket and go straight in.
Next, we practise on two courts: one of them is dedicated to specific exercises that we'll be working on throughout the session. And the other court is often free for exchanges and scoring.
Finally, we finish the session with some matches, so the whole training session lasts 1 hour and half. »
What's your favourite shot and why?
« I have to admit that I particularly like serves, because they require a lot of precision and technical skill.
I really like forehands too, because I hit them hard!”
What are the most important aspects of your physical and mental preparation before a match?
« In terms of physical preparation, I try to do a lot of warm-ups to prepare my body properly.
As far as mental preparation is concerned, I'd say I manage to put myself in my "bubble" without thinking too much. The hardest part is generally during a match and not before: managing to stay focused for 1h30-2h.
It's also important to stay focused on what's going on, to really play point by point and never think about anything other than the present moment.»
How do you stay motivated after a defeat?
“I think there are different types of failure.
There's when you're playing against someone stronger and you just tell yourself you've got nothing to lose, so you accept defeat more easily.
But when you lose to someone with a lower ranking and you know you've played badly, it's harder to take and leaves you a bit more bitter.
After that, I've always thought that the more matches you play, the more you'll improve, and defeats are also part of the process of improving your game."
Thanks Mathilde for your sharing!
