ENGLISH TEXTS
eys’ mental health?
Ambre Molins. Taboo, without a doubt. Athletes’ mental health is something we don’ t talk about enough. From my point of view, our professional environment sees it as a form of weakness. Yet, from the start of our training, we’ re asked to be physically and mentally very tough. In our sport, mental health isn’ t monitored, unless you decide to address it yourself.
G. Has your own mental health ever been affected?
A. M. Yes, of course. Honestly, I didn’ t see my parents for years. I ended up growing up on my own, leaving the family home very early. I struggled to dedicate time to them, but they understood me and allowed me to be where I am today. I also think that success requires a certain amount of selfishness. But life quickly reminds you what your priorities are. When you’ re in the hospital, it’ s your family who is there for you. I don’ t think mental health is taught at AFASEC. At least, it wasn’ t when I was there. Maybe that has changed. As young riders, we were constantly told tough-minded slogans. It was hard, yes, but at the same time, it forced me to grow up quickly.
G. How do you handle competition against men?
A. M. We will always be compared to our male colleagues. A woman has even less right to listen to herself. There’ s a certain misogyny in the industry, and we will nev- er get used to it. But being a woman is not a handicap. Other women fight every day to earn their place, it’ s not just in our sport. For me, the essential point is this: it’ s not who you are, but what you do. Overall, the level in France is very high. It’ s difficult to make a place alongside the likes of Pasquier and Soumillon, to name just two. Delphine Santiago and Nathalie Desoutter fought for us, women jockeys. I have deep respect for them.
G. How do you deal with success and with periods of poor form?
A. M. Victory is not something extraordinary. I think I experience it fairly normally, by savoring it properly. On the other hand, when failures pile up, I tend to withdraw into myself. I question myself a lot and feel the need to refocus.
G. And your weight?
A. M. Weigh-ins are essential. I do them several times a day. In fact, it’ s the first thing I do in the morning after waking up. Knowing your body is so important for us jockeys, as high-level athletes. It requires effort every day. Especially since we have to juggle with travel, long working hours, and daily rides. In stressful periods, I tend to lose a lot of weight unconsciously. Each day allows me to learn more about my body. Nutrition is crucial, but not only that. I’ m lucky to have a fitness coach, two physiotherapists, three masseuses, a mental coach, an acupuncturist, a reflexologist, two osteopaths, a magnetizer, as well as a general practitioner. I’ m willing to go far to improve myself and to last.
G. Do you prefer being self-employed or working for a stable?
A. M. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. The key is to find a personal balance. As a freelancer, there’ s physical comfort. I’ ve experienced both systems. When you’ re attached to a stable, no matter your results the day before, your colleagues don’ t really pay attention and that helps you quickly clear your mind and take your head out of competition. In the mornings, I can also get closer to the horses, spend more time with them.
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5 MINUTES WITH CHRIS- TOPHE SOU- MILLON
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By Véronique Verva pour Karisma Production
« Sometimes you need an outside perspective to get the right advice to push yourself further. » Véronique Verva of Karisma Consulting met with star jockey
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