French rowers at Marina Bay Reservoir

French women’s single sculler Noemie Kober, who won her heat yesterday, and men’s junior pair rowers William Chopy and Benoit Demey, who finished third in their heat and also qualified for the Semifinals, talk to World Rowing about their experience at the Youth Olympic Games and in Singapore.

World Rowing: How did you combine the preparation for both the World Rowing Junior Championships and the Youth Olympic Games (YOG)?
Benoit Demey: We went for a month-long training camp in France, in Temple-sur-Lot, before the World Rowing Junior Championships to prepare for those which were the main focus.  Nevertheless, we included some preparation for the YOG, speed exercises, explosive strength, start exercises…
When we arrived here we needed to get used to the boat, the time difference, the humidity level and we had to take the habit of drinking a lot to rehydrate.  We did small outings, about 8km in the morning and even shorter in the afternoon.

World Rowing: What did you expect from the YOG?
William Chopy: Actually we did not really know what to expect, and we even had some apprehension when we read the information we received.  We were a little bit afraid it would be kind of childish but it is not at all.  There are plenty of interesting activities, there is always something happening.  We are positively impressed. And the opening ceremony was superb!

World Rowing: What is your favourite movie?
Noemie Kober: “The Butterfly Effect” by Eric Bress and J. Mackye Gruber
William Chopy: “99 Francs” by Jean Dujardin

World Rowing: What is your favourite car?
Noemie Kober: The VW Combi, you know the old one the surfers like
William Chopy: a Ferrari
Benoit Demey: an Audi TT

World Rowing: What is your favourite music group?
Noemie Kober: Two Door Cinema Club
William Chopy: The Beatles
Benoit Demey: The Jackson 5

World Rowing: What do you want to be when you grow up?
Noemie Kober: Physiotherapist
William Chopy: Physiotherapist
Benoit Demey: Fireman

World Rowing: What is cool about Singapore?
All three athletes:  The boat on top of the building in front of the Marina [Marina Bay Sands resort], the organisation, the opening ceremony, the hospitality…

World Rowing: What are you looking forward to?
All three athletes:  Having fun and enjoying it!