Being the first Olympic medallist of my country means that I have some obligations and it was a very tough job for me to resume a proper training schedule due to the (new) status I have in my country.
Benjamin BoukpetiI'm also conscious of what this confidence that has been placed in me means. I'm going to the Games through the back door but I'm working everyday to exit through the main door!
Benjamin BoukpetiPre-season was very challenging with the African Championships on my continent. Unfortunately, I failed to qualify for the Games there. It was an emotional moment for me due to the context, but I quickly accepted the result as evidence of what my preparation has been the past 3 years.
Benjamin BoukpetiDespite my inability to qualify to qualify in South Africa, I did really appreciate the support I got from the IOC particularly the Olympic Solidarity, members of the ICF, my own National Olympic Committee, friends and athletes from the Slalom Community. When I got the wild card, it was the cherry on the cake that I could not have imagined. It was much more than I expected for myself.
Benjamin Boukpeti