Arthur CAILLOUX-OTT is a student in class 1st at the Lycée Saint-Paul. Since the age of 5 he has been fencing and he loves it. And it is indeed better to be passionate when you have to combine studies and sport. It is, in fact, 6h00 of training per week and weekend competitions that must be added to about 37h00 of classes and to the homework.
The choice of fencing
It is because his father is a weapon master that he started this sport rather than another. Validated test. The club of the taillefer room is small (it has 120 licensees) and the people are "nice". What Arthur likes are the values conveyed by fencing, including respect for the opponent and that of the referee. This sport "requires tactical sense, physical power and speed, reflexes and decision-making ability, sense of balance and tempo, fair play, will to win and acceptance of defeat".
Passion for competitions
To succeed in holding everything, it is necessary to be well organized: homework done before training, revisions during Travel. When competitions require an absence, comrades photograph classrooms and digital tools (Pronote, Pearltrees) allow you to follow the content of sessions.
In November and December there is a competition every weekend; same thing at the beginning of January. Thus, on January 29, 2022, Arthur participates in the "Challenge International Fleuret Homme Senior" in Bourg la Reine. It is a difficult and selective competition in view of the world championships. There are many participants and even a large delegation of Americans. In the French team, the reigning champion will be present. The level is high: to be qualified you must be medalist or be ranked in the top eight. Arthur tries the double over-ranking in order to be able to shoot with the Senior because he wants to try to make up for his pre-Covid injury. These competitions allow you to "rub shoulders" with the best athletes and thus gain experience.
Go as far as possible
Ranked 18th in France (in its category) and 3rd regional, Arthur wants to go the furthest possible. 2021/2022 marks its first year on the international circuit with including his qualification for the European Cup in Bratislava. This one has been played with a touch confided Arthur during a competition in Cabriès (Bouches du Rhone).
Before the start of each match, Arthur likes exchange with friends to evacuate stress. Then he withdrew from the group in order to be alone 10 to 15 minutes to concentrate, "take the competition mentality." Sometimes he also listens to music.
Having fun first and foremost
His tactic: start with what he likes do well in order to feel comfortable. Then, of course, you have to adapt everything throughout the match depending on the opponent. For this he knows that he can rely on the advice and help of the coach; he has an outside look about what's going on.
For Arthur the European cups are very good experiences because they allow you to learn a lot. The main thing for him is to "have fun first and foremost". So let's wish him a lot more competitions and great victories.
