Näak Ambassador Alexandrine Coursol

Professional Triathlete

CANADA, QC

“It's when it hurts that it pays off.”

It was at the age of 7 that I participated in my first triathlon in Valley-fiel. Since 2006, I have never spent a summer without competition and training. From the very beginning, I had skills in this sport. At the age of 13, I decided to get more involved in training and joined swimming, cycling and running clubs. I joined the Quebec espoir team at the age of 14. Since then, I have been constantly progressing: in 2016 I won a tripple medal at the Quebec Games, in 2017 I won a silver medal at the Canada Games, in 2018 I participated for the first time in a continental cup with a top 12, in 2019 I was Canadian Junior Champion and I participated for the first time in the World Championships.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

2019JUNIOR Canada Champion Sprint Triathlon

2018 TOP 12 Montreal CAMTRI Sprint Triathlon American Cup

2017 won a silver medal at the Canada Games

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU EVERY DAY TO TRAIN?

Every day I wake up with the goal of being the best version of myself. One way for me to achieve this is definitely through my sport. Training gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment. Keeping this mentality and my goals in mind motivates me every day to train.

DO YOU HAVE A PERSON WHO INSPIRES YOU?

When I read this question, I don't have a spontaneous answer. Upon reflection, I realize that my role models are all the people I meet and interact with. I think that each person has a story and an inspiring side to share. The important thing is to be able to draw inspiration from the best of each person. However, on a sporting level, my idol would be Gwen Jorgensen. A gold medallist at the 2016 Olympic Games, she ended her triathlete career to get involved in running. As the mother of a child and a trained accountant, I find her background and determination inspiring.

WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS FOR NOT LOSING ENERGY DURING your races?

As for me, my competitions last less than an hour. So I'm going to put some jujubes on my bike in case I feel a drop in energy. I often forget to take them. With this in mind, the pre-course power supply is the key to maintaining a high level of energy before a race. I will take a complete breakfast with lots of sugar: maple syrup, honey, jam. In addition, since I eat 2 to 3 hours before my race, I have to take a snack one hour before my race, until now I used to take applesauce because I couldn't find anything consitent enough that my stomach could digest before a race. This year I'm looking forward to trying Näak Bars before my race.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST RACING MEMORY?

Well this question is almost impossible to answer, because I keep incredible memories of my races and especially of the before and after races. One of my best racing memories is at the Jeux du Québec in 2016. That year, I questioned my passion for the sport. Following good results at that competition, I hugged my competitor who was also one of my best friends at the time and I told her that it took a miracle for me to continue in this sport and that a miracle had just happened.

WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU LIKE TO DO AFTER A RACE?

Go to my friends, my family, my competitors who have become my friends over time and spend time with them. Also, a watermelon after a race, nothing better.