Marie Patouillet: Charles-Antoine Kouakou Poised for Success at the 2024 Paris Games
Charles-Antoine Kouakou's Journey to the 2024 Paralympics
On the track and in the stands, Charles-Antoine Kouakou makes a noticeable impact. Athletes, youth, and coaches alike stop to greet him. This determined 25-year-old trains daily at his track in Antony (Hauts-de-Seine). His preparation involves speed, strength, and technique—an intense routine that matches his ambitious goals for the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, which opened this Wednesday.
A Champion's Legacy
- Kouakou began his journey with a gold medal at the Tokyo Games in the T20 category for the 400 meters.
- Inspired by the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, he humbly notes, “I didn’t expect to win gold. I thought I would be second.”
Training and Challenges
Starting athletics at age 13 in Seine-Saint-Denis, Kouakou, who has an intellectual disability, dedicates his days to training and working at the ESAT des Muguets as a gardener. His coach, Vincent Clarico, emphasizes that their training is fully inclusive, and Kouakou’s physical capabilities allow him to compete alongside high-caliber athletes without special sessions.
- The delicate balance of managing Kouakou’s condition has been pivotal in his development as a 400 meters runner.
- Despite past injuries, including a chronic ankle condition, he qualified for the 2024 Games.
The Road to Paris 2024
With confidence, Vincent asserts that Kouakou faces little competition in his category, stating, “We’re not preparing for the Games; we’re preparing for the gold medal.” As he looks toward the future, including the potential for 2028 in Los Angeles, Kouakou remains dedicated to his training and dreams.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.