Samir Ait Said (FRA)

Three times European medalist on rings, Samir Ait Said aims on winning another one in front of the French home crowd. He trains hard every day to get the Olympic qualification for Rio without forgetting about his physiotherapy studies.

What made you start gymnastics?

By chance in fact! When I was in elementary school, we went to gym class with the school and I wanted to spend more time having fun with my friends.

What is a typical day like?

Every day is different and depends on my physiotherapy classes. I mostly start going to school before going to the gym. I try to reconcile my physio classes and my workouts. I don’t want one to take precedence over the other. I want to succeed in being both Olympic medalist and in having my degree. My after gymnastics’ life counts a lot for me.

What is your gymnastics’ best memory?

Undoubtedly my European Champion title on rings in 2013 in Moscow! I was badly injured the year before and it was a big challenge to come back on top quickly. Especially as I was aiming for a medal there…

Do you feel more pressure with a European Championships organized in France, with the French audience?

No it’s encouraging! It is like home, with our families, our friends and our supporters … I do not know if I can say that it’s more joy, but it’s great!

European Champion in 2013 in Moscow, bronze medalist in 2014 in Sofia, is your goal to win the title again in 2015?

Yes for sure I’m going there to get the title but first I want do a good movement and a good job for the judges, but also for the public.

Thomas Bouhail about Samir: “ A very talented gymnast! For me he has great potential to win an Olympic medal in Rio, so in Montpellier too. I had the chance to share a European podium with him on vault in 2011. A great time for us! »