On the orange track, before running side by side, the ex-champion and the young athlete spoke at length about their common passion. “It's very enriching for me to see the strength that Amandine exudes, how she goes through these challenges one after the other and how she remains positive despite everything. It's a real life lesson”, explains Olivia Borlée. “I am also impressed to see his competitive spirit and his desire to perform. She is keen to get back to her level. We feel the passion that overflows for athletics and the good it does him.”
Retired, Christian de Paepe returns to the airwaves for the Télévie Golden Discs
How does it feel to find yourself face to face with a young girl to whom you gave the desire to persevere in athletics?
”I don't always realize… I'm happy to make him smile today. And, she does it well for me. It’s give and take. I have a lot to learn from this meeting too. I'm happy to have been able to send a message through my sporting career and to have made him want to do sport.”
Was it important for you to participate in Télévie?
”I always try, when I can, to get involved in philanthropic works Unfortunately, cancer affects us all in one way or another. It's important for me to be there, yes.”
What advice did you give to Amandine?
”She explained to me what she had done to regain muscle strength. I tried to give him a few extra tips at this level without neglecting certain aspects. The most important thing is to be patient and have fun while running.”
For you, is sport a way to unwind?
”Even today, when I put on my shoes and go for a jog, it's the moment when I forget everything and relax. I am with myself, listening to my body. My sport has been a real therapy for me. And, I think that when you suffer from an illness like Amandine's, it's important to come back to yourself, to essential things.”
Do you miss competition?
”Yes, even more so with the Olympics coming up. I always have this feeling of being able to get into the starting blocks. But, I think that after two meters, I fell with a strained hamstring. (laughs) Deep down, I will always be an athlete. I would like to feel that sensation of speed that I have felt in the past but it will no longer be possible, even if I train for it. I keep these feelings very carefully with me. I tell myself that I've had a great career and that life has other things to offer me. Today, I am the mother of two children. It's so much happiness. We can not have everything.”
You also became a businesswoman with the launch of your UNRUN clothing collection.
”I managed to combine my two passions: sport and fashion. I find in entrepreneurial life as many challenges as in high-level sport. It's just as intense and exciting.”
