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Malgré ses blessures, le nageur de l’année du programme paralympique vieillit comme un bon vin

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Nicolas-Guy Turbide openly admits that his 26-year-old body no longer allows him to give his all, at all times, as he did when he was younger.

Bored by injuries in recent years, the Quebec native had to adjust his training regimen, even « relearn how to train, » in his own words, « to keep the intensity for when I have the Not needed anymore « .

Obviously, the plan worked in 2022.

Following another stellar season, including two memorable career firsts, Turbide was named Swimming Canada’s Male Swimmer of the Year (Paralympic Program) for the second consecutive campaign, and for the fifth time since 2016.

« Yes, receiving an award like this is always flattering, » said the two-time Paralympian. “You never really get tired. It is a great recognition of the work that Marc-André (Pelletier) and I do on a daily basis, but also of the many sacrifices made over the years. »

One could rightly say that the visually impaired athlete had nothing left to prove at the start of the 2022 season.

After all, he was a medalist in his favorite event, the S13 100m backstroke, in each of his Paralympic appearances, taking bronze at Rio 2016 before going one better and earning silver at Tokyo 2020.

Other career highlights include silver in the 100 backstroke at the 2019 World Para Swimming Championships, two titles at the 2018 Pan Pacific Championships, and amassing six medals, including three gold, at the Games. Toronto 2015 Parapan Am Games.

However, Turbide has proven that, like a fine wine, it improves over time.

He first won his first world title last June in Madeira, Portugal, in his signature event of the 100 backstroke.

« I knew the door was open for me in 2022, that I had a good chance, » said Turbide, making his fourth career appearance at worlds. “Based on my physical abilities and my goals, Marc and I kind of put all our eggs in one basket. We went through all the steps necessary for me to be 100% ready that day, for that event. And we got the desired result.

“I had arrived at a point in my career when I wanted to go even further. The only result better than a silver medal was a gold medal, and being crowned world champion. »

Turbide was scheduled to swim the 50 freestyle the day after his 100 backstroke triumph. But his body had had enough for one competition.

« Physically, I couldn’t do it. We made the decision that, since the event was on the program of the Commonwealth Games the following month, we would concentrate on this competition.

“From the 100 backstroke day at worlds, we focused on the 50 freestyle at the Commonwealth Games. We wanted to make sure that I was 100% for this single event. And again, that’s exactly what happened. »

The Commonwealth Games are the only major international meet that Turbide had yet to attend in his illustrious career, largely due to a limited Para-swimming offering over the years.

On July 30 in Birmingham, England, Turbide not only won gold in the S13 50 freestyle by a hundredth of a second ahead of Scotland’s Stephen Clegg, he also set a new Canadian record of 24.32.

“Like at the worlds, I only had one event. Hit or miss. And even more in the 50 free, where the margin of error is minimal. I had an ideal race, exactly as we had planned. »

Long-time head coach of the Club de Natation Région de Québec in Quebec City, Marc-André Pelletier has been working with Turbide since 2014.

He’s played a key role not only in his protege’s remarkable successes over the past decade, but also in how he’s dealt with injuries in recent years.

“With Nic, we can no longer do what we used to do without risking medium or long-term repercussions. We must always be careful, be very professional in order to work within its limits.

“I would say his main qualities are his mental strength and his self-control. He is able to keep his emotions at the right level, not too high, not too low. For me, a good athlete is someone who is able to “roll over on a dime”, and Nic can do that. After a hard blow, whether physical or mental, he is able to recover quickly and return to the top. »

Five months away from his fifth world championships in Manchester, England (July 31-August 6), Turbide is hopeful that he can continue to win – and even improve – despite his physical problems.

« Physically, it’s still difficult day to day, » said the Laval University student, who is due to graduate this year and hopes to pursue a career in financial planning. “I’m not doing the same amount of training as before, but I’m still able to perform at my best.

“In December, I set two personal bests at a short course competition in Quebec (in the 50 freestyle and 50 backstroke) just before I turned 26. It’s hard to ask for much better. »

Paris 2024?

“During my career, I have never looked too far. I think it’s something that has always benefited me in the longer term. Do not try to see too far without going through all the necessary steps to get there. It’s a dangerous game, and it’s pretty easy to fall for it.

“I prefer to go day by day and give my best every day. »