The Olympic ponds in Paris were quivering. Amid the roar of the water and the cheers of the fans, a silhouette stands out, majestic and determined. Maxime Grousset. A name that now sounds like a promise of gold and glory for France. In the final of the 100 metre freestyle, this Caledonian swimmer, who is already world champion, is just a few lengths away from realising his Olympic dream.
As a keen swimmer, I wanted to pay tribute to him in this portrait.
Origins and beginnings of Maxime Grousset
Childhood in Nouméa
Maxime Grousset was born on 24 April 1999 on the island paradise of Nouméa, surrounded by sandy beaches and sparkling blue seas. From an early age, he was drawn to the crystal-clear waters of his native island. At the age of five, he dived for the first time in the pool of the Cercle des Nageurs Calédoniens. It was a dive that changed his life. While his friends dream of games and ice cream, Maxime is already dreaming of medals and records.
In this cocoon of blue and warmth, he developed his first swims, his first challenges against the water, his first childlike victories. Every competition is a new adventure, every length of pool an exploration of his own limits. And Maxime Grousset knows no limits. It wasn't long before his talent shone through and the whole of New Caledonia began to whisper the name of this water prodigy.
Initial successes and the transition to metropolitan France
In 2016, as the sun slowly set over the lagoons of Nouméa, Maxime Grousset made a decision that would turn his life upside down. He left his island paradise for Amiens, a city where the waters were less kind but where the pools offered new promise. At Amiens Métropole Natation, Maxime found the right environment for his thirst to excel. Far from his native New Caledonia, he immersed himself in a daily routine of rigour, intensive training and weight training.
It didn't take long for the first results to come in. In 2017, at the French Championships, Maxime Grousset was crowned champion of the 4 x 100 m freestyle relay and took silver in the 50 m freestyle. This year marked the start of his meteoric rise up the national rankings. He proved his worth in every race.
Far from home, Maxime is growing as an athlete and as a man. His efforts were rewarded when he won his first world medal at the World Junior Swimming Championships in 2017. The little boy from Noumea has become a formidable competitor, ready to conquer the world.
National performances
In French swimming pools, Maxime Grousset, on the strength of his first victories, continues to write his legend. The French Championships became his favourite playground. The medals were piling up. Beyond the awards, it's his hard work that impresses. Maxime is a talented swimmer and a relentless trainer, a perfectionist who leaves nothing to chance.
Maxime is already carrying the hopes of his coaches, his club and all those who see in him a future champion. He beats his personal bests, surpasses himself at every competition and shows that nothing is impossible for those who give themselves the means. His determination and dedication make him a role model for young swimmers and a source of pride for his country.
International ascent
Maxime Grousset is making a name for himself in world competitions. In 2019, he caused a sensation at the World Championships, beating his personal bests and taking his place among the best. France has been watching his exploits for a long time, and now the whole world is starting to take notice.
His unwavering determination and hard work paid off. At the World Championships in Budapest in 2022, he won a silver medal in the 100 metre freestyle. A few days later, he confirmed his talent by winning bronze in the 50 metres freestyle. Maxime is already wearing France's colours with pride and honour.
Maxime Grousset's performances never cease to amaze. At the World Championships in Fukuoka in 2023, he won bronze in the 50-metre butterfly, then, in a masterly move, smashed his own French record to win gold in the 100-metre butterfly.
This world champion title is a consecration, a culmination, the start of a new era. Maxime Grousset enters the closed circle of swimming legends.
Tonight, Maxime Grousset is in the final of the Paris Olympics and we'll all be behind him!
Time sheets on Maxime Grousset
How tall is Maxime Grousset?
Maxime is 1.92m tall
How much does Maxime Grousset weigh?
Maxime weighs 92 kilos
How old is Maxime Grousset?
Maxime was born on 24 April 1999 and is therefore 25 years old.
Who is Maxime Grousset in a relationship with?
Maxime Grousset in the cup with Zoé Bonnamy
