As high-performance sports careers come to an end, athletes can often feel a huge void or emptiness.
After being in the spotlight for many years, it almost feels like a rebirth, adjusting to the changes in performances of the mind and body.
It is at this point that some of them decide to venture into administration or coaching among other fields, hoping to give back to the sport.
French star and Rio 2016 kayak single 200m silver medallist Maxime Beaumont is one of them, who opted for the latter.
While he enjoys the new role and looks at the sport from the other side of the fence, he has mixed emotions as he plans to retire this summer.
“I don't know how to describe this feeling. It was obvious to me after the Olympic Games. This year has been difficult for me, physically and mentally. My body is getting old, I can feel it,” Beaumont said.
“Even if the motivation and desire are intact, it's difficult to line up at the start of a competition knowing that at best, I'm playing for a final and not the win.”
Having already worked in his home country for Paris 2024 and INSEP, the National Institute of Sport, Expertise, and Performance, the 42-year-old played a role in helping Remy Boulle get his second Paralympic bronze medal in France.
But the 42-year-old is taking on a different challenge a few thousand miles away from Europe.
Since January 1, he has been working with the Chilean Canoe Federation, especially with two of their best — Maria Jose Mailliard and Katherinne Wollermann.
“I am lucky today to take care of great athletes and to discover a different culture and different training methods which broadens my experience,” he continued.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Maria Jose Mailliard and Katherinne Wollermann who have placed their trust in me this year. Vamos!!”
The world and European medallist also spoke about the challenges of navigating between Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe.
From technical fundamentals to speaking with medical staff about how athletes work, there are plenty of factors to consider before drafting a training plan according to Beaumont.
“It's the same sport but the approach is different. I usually individualise training according to the athlete's profile but here we also must consider the athlete's disability, their training capacity, it's an unusual approach and only the field can teach us that.
“When I worked with Remy, at the beginning, I reasoned like an able-bodied person, and I made a few mistakes, but I learned at his side.
“I gained experience as a Para coach, and it also gave me energy and humility as an athlete.”
As he builds a team in the South American nation, it has been a learning curve for him.
When asked to rate Beaumont the athlete and Beaumont the coach, the Frenchman chuckled, before saying they are both equally good.
“They just evolve at different times,” he continued.
“Max the athlete, I know him well, I started paddling 34 years ago, and I've been with the French team for 22 years. Maybe he'll even come back a bit in the Masters.
“Max the high-performance coach who prepares athletes for major senior championships, it's new to me, I know him a little less, but I like him!
“I hope to be able to bring as much happiness to the athletes I take care of as I had as an athlete.”
Apart from coaching, Beaumont is also keen on developing the sport in the area.
While results at major events are his target like all coaches, he also wants to inculcate a culture that makes the athletes share his passion for the sport.
“I want the athletes I look after daily to perform. That's my main goal, that's why I'm here,” he said.
“Being around them gives me experience, just like evolving in a new system and meeting new coaches, and new athletes.
“If I can pass on my passion, my love for this sport, I would be very happy, and another goal will be fulfilled.”
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