Carol-Ann Borel: “Unwavering dedication and commitment”

Above all, it was the unity of a great team that secured this French university championship title. Last May in Vichy, the UM women's swimming team, led by Bernard Boulle-Giammattei, won the 4×50-meter medley and relay events. "There were twelve of us girls with quite different levels, and each one contributed to this victory. It's more fun than individual swimming," says Carol-Ann Borel, one of the team's leaders alongside other promising swimmers such as Leslie Belkacemi, Nolwenn Hervé, and others.

"The sea has always been there."

Carol-Ann, who had already made a name for herself at the 2018 French University Championships by winning the title of best female swimmer, started swimming in the Var region at the age of five. It was an obvious choice for this lover of the sea and travel, who loves nothing more than "being in the water. I grew up between Fréjus and Saint Raphaël, so the sea has always been there."

A passion that led her straight to Montpellier three years ago to join the French Lifesaving team based at CREPS. A discipline that originated in Australia, combining pool and sea rescue events. "It ranges from swimming to kayaking to paddleboarding. It's very diverse and suits me better than just swimming laps in a pool," Carol-Ann admits.

"We know why we're doing it."

Swimming and lifesaving are two demanding disciplines that require "unwavering dedication and commitment. We do have a rather unusual lifestyle." Carol-Ann gets up at 6 a.m. every morning and trains until 9 a.m., before starting her day of classes and then returning to the pool for a second training session from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. "When friends call to ask us to go out, we say no because we know the alarm clock will go off the next day. It's a pretty frustrating lifestyle, but when you see the results, you know why you're doing it."

A third-year student studying for a bachelor's degree in "Education and Motor Skills" atthe UFR STAPS, Carol-Ann is keeping her options open. "I want to work in sports, but I have too many ideas, which is bothering me a little. I could be a physical therapist or work in tourism abroad, or why not in marine biodiversity?" At 20 years old, the swimmer still has time to see the water... flow under the bridge.

UM athletes at the top of their game!

The University of Montpellier celebrates its medal-winning athletes at the World, European, and French University Championships during an annual ceremony organized by SUAPS. Read the profiles of these champions who juggle the demanding dual life of student and athlete. Read all the profiles...