Unpacking the Boardbags: Justine Lemeteyer in a PWA interview about her path to the top

Justine Lemeteyer finished runner-up at her second event on the tour - a result that immediately attracted attention on the scene. The Frenchwoman confirmed this success at the following event by winning six eliminations out of a total of seven. She can now look back on two world championship titles and four runner-up world championships at the age of just 23. In an interview with PWA reporter Sarah Jackon in the "Unpacking the Boardbags" series, she talks about the hard work behind her successes, the emotional challenges on the way to her first world title in 2024 and her development in France.

More interviews from the "Unpacking the Boardbags" series:

• A lifetime dedicated to windsurfing - Víctor Fernández on 25 years of the World Cup
• "Shaping the Champion" - Marcilio Browne on career and material development
• Blanca Alabau on her career and the emotional rollercoaster surrounding the World Championship title
• PWA podcast with Robby Swift

The road to the top

In this interview, the Frenchwoman talks about the intensive preparation that made her success possible. Winning her first world title in 2024 was an emotional rollercoaster ride for her, which she describes in detail. Mental coaching played an important role in her development. Working with sports psychologists helped her to master the pressure situations in crucial races. Lemeteyer describes how she learnt to deal with setbacks and focus on her strengths.

Justine Lemeteyer: "We are considered top athletes in France" - an interview with the World Cup favourite

Growing up in France

The interview sheds light on Lemeteyere's roots in France and how the country has shaped her career. The French scene offers ideal conditions for up-and-coming talent. She grew up in an environment that promotes and challenges racing disciplines. The training opportunities on the French coast enabled her to train at a high level early on. France has traditionally produced strong athletes in water sports, particularly in the field of racing. Lemeteyer benefited from this infrastructure and the knowledge of experienced coaches. Competing in her own country honed her skills from a young age. She describes the importance of the local community for her development.

She is travelling and training together with her best friend on the tour. This constellation brings both advantages and challenges. The emotional support of a familiar person helps in difficult phases. At the same time, they both have to compete against each other on the water. Lemeteyer describes how she masters this dual role.