Maxime RICHARD (BEL)
Belgium
Age:
36 years
Languages:
French
Federation:
ROYAL BELGIAN CANOE FEDERATION
Biography
Further Personal Information
NICKNAME
Max (redbull.com, 24 Sep 2014)
PLACE OF RESIDENCE
Dinant, BEL
WHEN/WHERE DID YOU START CANOEING/ KAYAKING?
He began canoeing as soon as he was tall enough to fit in a canoe. At age 14 he competed in his first race outside Belgium and from that point on he knew that he had a future in the sport.
REASON FOR TAKING UP THE SPORT
He was inspired to try the sport by his father, who competed in canoe sprint at international level.
HOBBIES
Skiing. (redbull.com, 24 Sep 2014)
CLUB
Royal Cercle Nautique Meuse et Lesse Anseremme: Belgium
NAME OF COACH
Carlos Prendes [national]
TRAINING REGIME
He trains in the gym for up to 18 hours a week over the winter in order to build sufficient muscle for the coming season.
SENIOR INTERNATIONAL DEBUT YEAR
2007
MEMORABLE SPORTING ACHIEVEMENT
BROKEN BOAT
In May 2012 his specifically designed kayak was damaged in transit while he was on his way to the Olympic qualification event in Poznan, Poland. He could not use the boat for the competition and initially feared his Olympic chances were over. However, he was able to borrow another kayak just hours before the competition began and he finished in the top two to qualify for the 2012 Games in London. (lesoir.be, 19 Jun 2012)
MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSON IN CAREER
His father. (redbull.com, 24 Sep 2014)
SPORTING PHILOSOPHY/ MOTTO
"Life is short, enjoy it." (redbull.com, 24 Sep 2014)
SPORTING RELATIVES
His father Marc Richard represented Belgium in canoe sprint. (redbull.com, 24 Sep 2014)
OTHER SPORTS
He has competed in whitewater sprint and is a double world champion in the sport. (lavenir.net, 03 Dec 2014)
