INTERVIEW TIFANY HUOT-MARCHAND
OLYMPIC CHAMPION IN SPEED SKATING
- Introduce yourself in a few sentences: What is your name, where are you from, what do you do, what do you like to do in your free time, your region, your favorite places…
My name is Tifany Huot-Marchand , I am 25 years old, I was born in Besançon in the Doubs region and I come from a very small village of less than 100 inhabitants called Nans.
For the past ten years, I've lived in Font-Romeu in the Pyrénées-Orientales, and I absolutely love it! I came here to join the French Short Track team. Yes, because in my professional life I'm a high-level athlete and a member of the Olympic speed skating team. I'm also a student.
What do I like to do in my free time? Sports (running, trail running, yoga, road cycling, climbing…), I like gardening, cooking, DIY projects, reading and of course spending time with my friends/family!
- What led you to speed skating?
As I was saying, I come from an incredibly charming little village in the Doubs region, with fewer than 100 inhabitants. It so happens that my neighbor, who used to do short-track skating when she was younger in Chamonix, discovered there was a club in Belfort. She wanted to take her children to try it out and took the opportunity to invite my twin sister and me. We were nine years old at the time. So, off we went to the ice rink, and you know, it's quite funny because we had never set foot in an ice rink before, so it was all completely new to us! We put on our skates, and there we were on the ice for the first time, racing and laughing with the others. After that, we were hooked!
- How long have you been practicing? What made you decide to take up skating?
I've been skating for 16 years now, but I've been at a high level for 10 years.
- And why choose speed skating rather than figure skating?
Why speed rather than artistry?
I don't know, I was immediately hooked, racing with new friends was fun and it's a sport that we're not used to seeing and practicing.
So probably also because of its “new discovery” aspect.
- What do you like about this activity?
There are a lot of things I like.
First, I would say the race itself, of course. Then there is speed, strategy, tactics, pushing oneself to the limit, and the various "risk-taking" aspects.
- What do you think is the best advice you can give to those who want to get into speed skating?
Go for it! It's an incredible sport!
- Tell us about your experience at the 2018 Olympic Games (PyeongChang)? What did you do there? How did it go?
The PyeongChang Olympics were my first time competing. The experience was incredible. It was okay considering my level at the time; I finished 20th and 22nd. Since then, I've improved tremendously, and those Games taught me a lot.
- How did you experience this unique event?
Enriching, incredible, crazy, grandiose and completely insane!
- And what did you take away from this experience?
Participating in the Olympic Games has allowed me to grow, both athletically and personally. It's a truly unique experience. That's why they say, "Once an Olympian, always an Olympian."
- Do you practice any other sports in parallel?
Yes, I play several sports. And I love discovering new sports!
I'm a fan of yoga, trail running, cycling, and climbing. But I also do swimming, weightlifting, and bodybuilding…
- We've seen that you really enjoy traveling? Where have you been? What do you like about traveling around the world?
I've discovered so many countries through my competitions, but also because I'm a real globetrotter; I love to travel. I've been to Cambodia, Martinique, the United States, South Korea, Japan, Jamaica, the Philippines, Canada, China, and all over Europe… And what I love most about traveling is discovering new cultures, new landscapes, and different ways of life…
- Where and how did you discover the Noliju brand?
I discovered the Noliju brand because a friend told me about it, I went to the Noliju Instagram account and “Wow, love at first sight”.
- Why did you want to represent the Noliju brand and wear it daily in all your workouts?
I spend absolutely all my days in sportswear and I wanted to find a brand that could combine sport and “everyday life”.
With Noliju, I feel good: a chic and high-level sporty woman.
- What are your ambitions as a Noliju ambassador?
I wish Noliju were more in the spotlight. A French brand for everyday champions is fantastic! So, I hope to promote Noliju and see more Noliju fans.
- What's your favorite Noliju outfit? And why?
I'm a big fan of the Julien heather grey sweatshirt and the Valentin geometric print leggings . This outfit makes me feel comfortable and I can go out without anyone thinking I'm wearing a 100% sporty look. Plus, it's super cute!
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What job do you do besides your sport?
I am a student. I am in my third year of STAPS (Sports Science) and starting next year I will begin preparing for the competitive exam to become a primary school teacher.
- How do you manage to combine work and your sports project?
I'm part of the Interval program in Grenoble. It's a program that allows high-level athletes to skip classes during the sports season and take their courses remotely. When our sports season ends (in March), we attend classes for two months and take some exams then. We often spread out our studies; instead of completing a bachelor's degree in three years, we end up doing it over six.
- A sporting dream for the future?
Win an Olympic medal! (Dream but also goal!) 
- One last word?
LONG LIVE THE NOLIJETTES !
