At 23, Germain Deschamps is about to realize his dream. The Saint-Malo native, who switched from roller skating to speed skating just five years ago, will represent France at the next Games. Discover this athlete who has made speed his playground.
From asphalt to ice
Before shining on the ice, Germain grew up roller skating , a discipline that instilled in him a love of speed and endurance. These are elements he naturally finds in speed skating:
"I very quickly rediscovered the sensations I love about roller skating."
The turning point for him and the Games came during a World Cup team pursuit speed skating event in Salt Lake City, when his team finished fourth and set a new French record. The young athlete then realized that it was possible.
In November 2025 in Calgary , Germain and his teammates won a silver medal which definitively sealed their qualification for the games.
Today, the current season is a real turning point; Germain is on the verge of achieving all the goals he has set for himself.
A qualification achieved with pride and discipline
Surprisingly, it wasn't himself who felt the most emotion upon qualifying for the Games. He was particularly struck by the pride of his loved ones . "It's an incredible feeling to make them proud ," he told us. An emotion that compensates for the separation from family, an inevitable consequence of competing at the highest level.
His qualification is primarily due to structured and collective preparation . The work carried out with his NOVUS team, combined with the enhanced support of the French roller and skateboard team, played a decisive role in his progress.
A meticulously planned preparation
As the exams approach , nothing is left to chance. A typical week of preparation is generally similar to a regular week, however with very specific adjustments: less volume and intensity to reach 100% of his capacity on the day , explains Germain.
This quest for perfection inevitably involves a strict recovery routine . For Germain, the difference often lies in details he considers invisible: " Hydratis is with me every day , whether on the ice, on the track, or during my recovery phases. I've really felt the difference: better endurance, less fatigue at the end of sessions, and much more effective hydration after exertion. It's become a reflex in my training routine."
Recovery is based on simple but non-negotiable foundations: eating well , sleeping well, staying well hydrated .
Mental strength also plays a central role . With the support of a coach, the young athlete is working on his concentration and stress management . This is his first Olympic experience, and he is gradually discovering the specific demands of an event of this magnitude.
Hydration, at the heart of performance
In an endurance sport like speed skating, Hydration is very important and Germain is fully aware of this.
"A dehydrated body is never at 100%. Hydration is essential for the proper functioning of the body."
A lesson the French skater learned through experience, particularly during rollerblading marathons held in extreme temperatures. In these conditions, fluid loss is significant, and poorly managed hydration can quickly impact performance .
"It is therefore very important to drink properly in order not to underperform. "
Over time, Germain also corrected some of the mistakes he made during the winter months. At the beginning of his career, he underestimated his needs , especially during winter cycling outings. He didn't eat or drink enough, even though his body required more resources to cope with the cold .
Today, his message to amateur athletes is clear and straightforward: "You need to learn the basics of hydration. How to drink, when, and how much ? If you're aiming for high performance, every detail counts. Hydratis is convenient, the flavors are pleasant, and above all, I know I'm giving my body what it needs to perform at the highest level."
Let's focus on the games
With just days to go, Germain displays a disarming serenity . Excitement prevails, with stress being more expected as the first races approach. Once on the ice, he intends to approach the races like any other competition.
"I approach the Games like a normal race because there's no difference when you're on the ice. I believe in my work and I know that in every race, I've done everything to achieve the best possible result ."
More than just a performance, the Games represent for him the culmination of a dream born only five years ago , when he discovered the long track. This first experience is a real springboard for the rest of a still young career.
"This experience will mark my career because when we talk about our sport, it's very difficult to imagine the top level."
France can count on a clear-headed, committed athlete who knows that podium finishes are built as much on rigorous training as on every sip of water taken at the right time. See you on the ice!
