-
Introduce yourself in a few sentences: What's your name, where you're from, what you do, what you like to do in your free time, your region, your favorite places…
My name is Raphaëlle, I'm 22 years old. I'm originally from Coulommiers in Seine-et-Marne, but I've been living on the French Riviera for almost a year and a half. I'm an aquafitness coach and I teach swimming lessons. I love doing outdoor activities like treetop trekking, paddleboarding, or scuba diving, and otherwise it's Netflix and chill with my cat. 
-
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO POOL COACHING?
I've always loved water and sports, so why not combine the two? After a serious injury, I had to stop high-impact sports and therefore turn to so-called "gentle" sports like aquafitness; it allows me to stay in shape while working as a sports instructor!
-
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PRACTICED? WHAT MADE YOU IDEAL TO START THIS SPORT?
I started swimming and scuba diving at 12, and competing at 15. I've always been immersed in the world of water sports and couldn't imagine working in any other field. At 19, I earned my BPJEPS AAN diploma and have been working in aquafitness clubs and at clients' homes ever since.
-
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THIS ACTIVITY?
There is no routine, every day is different and it allows me to meet incredible people with surprising pasts and/or life goals.
-
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU CAN GIVE TO THOSE WHO WANT TO GET INTO WATER SPORTS?
Go for it! Yes, it will be complicated because we are still in a "macho" environment and you have to prove yourself, but if you believe in yourself, in what you do and you love it, then you won't be disappointed!
-
Do you practice other sports in parallel?
For now I only do paddleboarding when I have time, but I plan to resume weight training and swimming, which I had to stop because of my injuries.
-
WHERE AND HOW DID YOU DISCOVER THE NOLIJU BRAND?
I was working in a large hotel in Cannes when a photo shoot was taking place, but we didn't know it was for the Noliju brand. The clients, as well as I, all fell in love with the items the model was wearing, and I boldly went to ask Norah, the creator of Noliju (without knowing her), what the clothes were from.
-
WHY DID YOU WANT TO REPRESENT THE NOLIJU BRAND AND WEAR IT IN YOUR DAILY LIFE?
Because it's a brand created by a woman and for women! It's the only brand I know that's truly accurate in size, that can withstand anything during different sporting activities, that's produced close to home, and with absolutely stunning designs!
-
WHAT IS AN EVERYDAY CHAMPION IN YOUR EYES?
She is a woman who never gives up and always remains motivated despite all the small and big problems that one can experience on a daily basis.
-
AND HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO BALANCE YOUR PERSONAL LIFE, YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE AND YOUR SPORTING PROJECT?
It was difficult at first, but now I manage to carve out free time to rest and go out with my friends. I'm also trying to free up some time to get back into club swimming when I can.
-
WHAT ARE YOUR AMBITIONS AS A NOLIJU AMBASSADOR?
Becoming queen of the world? No, to be serious, I love sharing with those around me, whether it's my circle of friends or at work, and Noliju has been a real favorite of mine, so I like to introduce them to the brand's new products.
-
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE NOLIJU OUTFIT? AND WHY?
TheAdventurer swimsuit because it has a PERFECT design, a PERFECT cut, a PERFECT material and in addition it is made of recycled material so it is .. *drumroll*.. PERFECT and to my great pleasure, now Nolju has made it available in black .
-
A SPORTING DREAM FOR THE FUTURE?
I would like to get back to the same level I had 4 years ago in swimming, so no more holidays!
-
ONE LAST WORD?
My motto: "Move more to eat more!"
