Carol-Ann Borel: "Unwavering dedication and commitment".

Above all, it was the unity of a fine team that was rewarded with the title of French university champion. Last May in Vichy, the UM women's swimming team, led by Bernard Boulle-Giammattei, won the 4×50-meter medley and the relay. "There were twelve of us, with quite different levels, and each of us 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 at the age of five. An obvious choice for this sea and travel enthusiast, 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 Pôle France de Sauvetage Sportif at the CREPS. This discipline, which originated in Australia, combines pool and sea rescue events. "It ranges from swimming to kayaking to wakeboarding. It's very diversified and suits me better than swimming laps in a pool," admits Carol-Ann.

"We know why we're doing it

Swimming and lifesaving are two demanding disciplines, requiring "unfailing assiduity and commitment. Our lifestyle is a bit unusual. Waking up every morning at 6am, Carol-Ann trains until 9am, before starting her day's lessons and returning to the pool for a second training session from 3pm to 5pm. "When mates call to go out, we say no because we know the alarm goes off the next day. It's a pretty frustrating way of life, but when there are results behind it, you know why you're doing it."

Carol-Ann is in her third year of a Bachelor's degree in "Education and motor skills" at theUFR STAPS, and is not closing any doors yet. "I want to be in sport, but I've got too many ideas, it's bothering me a bit. I could be a physiotherapist or work in tourism abroad or why not in marine biodiversity?" At 20, the swimmer still has time to see water flow under the bridge.

UM sportsmen and women at the top!

The University of Montpellier celebrates its athletes who have won medals at the World, European and French University Championships at an annual ceremony organized by the SUAPS. Read the portraits of these champions who lead the demanding double life of student-athlete. Read all the portraits...