Published 2 days ago
Olympic champion Steeve Guénot takes the helm of France’s Greco-Roman wrestling team to prepare for the 2028 Olympics
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Steeve Guénot, Olympic Greco-Roman wrestling champion, takes over as head of Team France with an ambitious goal: Los Angeles 2028. After a legendary career, he is leveraging his experience to adapt Ibrahim Ghanem to the -77 kg division and prepare for the World Championships in Astana, a crucial step for Olympic qualification.
To remember:
- Steeve Guénot, Olympic Greco-Roman wrestling champion, takes the helm of Team France with the mission of preparing for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
- His major challenge: adapting Ibrahim Ghanem, world champion in -72 kg, to the -77 kg division for the Astana 2023 World Championships.
- The Astana Worlds (Oct. 24 - Nov. 1) will be the first test for this new team, with only four wrestlers competing.
Steeve Guénot, a living legend of French Greco-Roman wrestling, has swapped his singlet for a coaching role to guide Team France to new heights. After winning gold at Beijing 2008 and bronze at London 2012, the Olympic champion has set an even more ambitious goal: preparing French athletes for Los Angeles 2028. A mission that promises to be as thrilling as it is complex.
A New Challenge: Adapting Ibrahim Ghanem to the -77 kg Division
Among the wrestlers Guénot is banking on for the future, Ibrahim Ghanem holds a central role. A world champion in the -72 kg division, he must now compete in the -77 kg category, known for its fierce competition. A transition that is not without risk, but one Guénot approaches with pragmatism.
« It’s a technical and physical challenge, but Ibrahim has the potential to shine, » Guénot confides. « We’re working on his endurance and strategy so he can compete with the best. » An adaptation that could make all the difference in upcoming international competitions.
Astana 2023: A Decisive Test for Olympic Qualification
The World Championships in Astana, taking place from October 24 to November 1, 2023, will be the first real test for this new team. With only four wrestlers entered, Guénot has chosen to target divisions where medal chances are realistic. A bold strategy, but a necessary one to gain experience and confidence.
« We can’t spread ourselves too thin, » explains Guénot. « Every point counts for the Olympic rankings. A strong performance in Astana could give us a psychological and athletic edge before Paris 2024. » A statement that underscores just how crucial this competition is for the future of French wrestling.
With Steeve Guénot at the helm, France’s Greco-Roman wrestling team enters a new era. Between technical adaptation, targeted strategy, and preparation for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, the challenges are many. But if Guénot’s history has taught us one thing, it’s that he never backs down from adversity. In Astana, France could well write the first lines of a new golden chapter.