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Interview : Camille Durand, Sports Coach, Ultra Trail Runner, and Gourmiz Ambassador

Posted on7 Months ago
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Camille Durand winner of the Spartan Race

ABOUT CAMILLE

Originally from Paris, Camille Durand is a high-level hybrid athlete, excelling in multiple sports disciplines. At just 21 years old, she has already made her mark in the world of sports with her determination and exceptional performances. Passionate about horseback riding since her early years, it was at the age of 16 that she discovered her true passion for sports by joining her first gym. Under the guidance of her coach, she quickly climbed the ranks to reach the elite level, winning the title of French champion in the Spartan discipline. Camille Durand also stands out for her determination to overcome her weaknesses, jokingly referring to herself as having a "chip-like mentality." However, this young athlete is brimming with confidence and ambition, with the stated goal of winning the title of Ultra Spartan World Champion in 2024. In addition to her full-time athletic pursuits, Camille also works as a sports coach, sharing her expertise and passion with other aspiring athletes. In 2024, Camille Durand was chosen as an ambassador for Gourmiz' energy bars, a brand she passionately supports. For her, these bars are more than just a source of energy; they represent an essential element of her training and performance, enabling her to always give her best and push her limits.
Camille Durand winner of the Spartan Race

ABOUT CAMILLE

Originally from Paris, Camille Durand is a high-level hybrid athlete, excelling in multiple sports disciplines. At just 21 years old, she has already made her mark in the world of sports with her determination and exceptional performances.

Passionate about horseback riding since her early years, it was at the age of 16 that she discovered her true passion for sports by joining her first gym. Under the guidance of her coach, she quickly climbed the ranks to reach the elite level, winning the title of French champion in the Spartan discipline.

Camille Durand also stands out for her determination to overcome her weaknesses, jokingly referring to herself as having a "chip-like mentality." However, this young athlete is brimming with confidence and ambition, with the stated goal of winning the title of Ultra Spartan World Champion in 2024.

In addition to her full-time athletic pursuits, Camille also works as a sports coach, sharing her expertise and passion with other aspiring athletes.

In 2024, Camille Durand was chosen as an ambassador for Gourmiz' energy bars, a brand she passionately supports. For her, these bars are more than just a source of energy; they represent an essential element of her training and performance, enabling her to always give her best and push her limits.
Camille Durand in race

GET TO KNOW CAMILLE

Can you tell us about your sporting journey and how you became an ambassador for Gourmiz?

I started my sport at the age of 16 in the gym. With the help of a coach and later on my own. In 2022, I met my current coach: Lilian Bigorie.

Setting goals, new working methods, we started with a competition where I finished 4th, then another where I climbed to the second place on the podium. Another race to become the French Spartan champion and there I was, in 2023, the champion of France in the 18-24 age category of Spartan Race.

Following this, I officially turned pro, so I started looking for brands to represent at my events. At the end of 2023, I got in touch with Jérôme through my partner, and I immediately resonated with Gourmiz's values. I had already tasted some bars before, and I must admit I fell in love with the coconut cocoa flavor. In late 2023, I was contacted by Jérôme through my partner, and I immediately connected with the values of Gourmiz'. I had the opportunity to taste some bars before, and I must admit I fell in love with the coconut cocoa flavor.

What motivated you to become an ambassador for Gourmiz?

Gourmiz' is a brand, but above all, a mindset, I believe. The mindset of an athlete. A good lifestyle, healthy and effective products to nourish the body. For me, it was only natural to gravitate towards a brand that has and shares these values.

GET TO KNOW CAMILLE

Can you tell us about your sporting journey and how you became an ambassador for Gourmiz?

I started my sport at the age of 16 in the gym. With the help of a coach and later on my own. In 2022, I met my current coach: Lilian Bigorie. We set goals, implemented new training methods, and started with a competition where I finished 4th, then another where I climbed to second place on the podium. Another race followed to become the French Spartan champion, and there I was, in 2023, crowned as the French champion in the 18-24 age category of Spartan Race. Following this achievement, I officially turned pro, and I began to search for brands to represent in my events. In late 2023, I was contacted by Jérôme through my partner, and I immediately connected with the values of Gourmiz'. I had the opportunity to taste some bars before, and I must admit I fell in love with the coconut cocoa flavor.

What motivated you to become an ambassador for Gourmiz?

Gourmiz' is not just a brand, but a mentality, in my opinion. The mindset of an athlete. It's about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, providing your body with healthy and effective products. For me, it was only natural to gravitate towards a brand that embodies and shares these values.
Camille Durand in race

What drives your passion for your sport and how do you incorporate it into your daily life?

Great question. In life, I'm a sports coach, so that helps. I train in the morning and coach in the afternoon and evening. After that, it's a matter of discipline and managing my schedule. I schedule my own sessions in my agenda. What am I passionate about? Many things: pushing myself beyond limits, the feeling of freedom, power, and strength. The atmosphere of competition, the preparation, the moments of joy, but also the moments of questioning because, yes, even at a high level, and especially at a high level, they happen. Victories as well as failures are important for progress. Ultimately, the athlete's life fascinates me. It's just who I am.

As an athlete, how do you manage your diet during periods of intense competition?

To be completely honest, it's my coach who manages my nutrition. I don't enjoy cooking. I have three meals a day, with a snack if needed. Each meal includes a portion of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. I also drink a lot of water. This doesn't change during competition, quite the opposite. I never change my eating habits the morning before a competition to avoid any digestion issues.
Camille Durand with Gourmiz' energy bar

>How do Gourmiz's values correspond to your own values as an athlete?

I have a lot of respect for my body; it's my tool and companion in my events. So, I make sure to give it only good things. For me, Gourmiz' is a brand that respects the body in terms of composition as well as product creation.

What have been the greatest challenges you've faced in your sporting career, and how have you overcome them?

The biggest challenges aren't actually the competitions. It's getting injured three weeks before a deadline. It's the unexpected travel disruptions the day before a competition. For women, it's a week every month without energy. It's the preparation, ultimately, and in those moments, it's the mental game that kicks in. To overcome them, it's about adapting training, opting for a flight instead of a train, eating more to regain lost energy, and sometimes it's simply accepting that today isn't a good day and that tomorrow will be better. And that's okay. There are as many ways to overcome a challenge as there are challenges.

>What are the accomplishments you are most proud of, and what role has nutrition played in these successes?

Well, it's been 30 minutes since I've been thinking about a response, but honestly, my greatest accomplishment is still ongoing. I'll speak in the future tense. My greatest achievement would be overcoming eating disorders. Food is my best friend but also my worst enemy.

What are your sporting goals for the coming months or years?

Speaking in terms of sports, my main goal for the year is the Spartan Ultra World Championships in July. Secondly, I aim to qualify for the Hyrox World Championships 2024, and if not, then it will be in 2025. In the coming years, I hope to advance to the highest elite level in both Hyrox and Spartan competitions.
Camille Durand Working out
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