BOSSE Pierre-Ambroise

General
TRAINING WITH RIVAL
In 2019 he began training under coach Philippe Dumont, who also trains one of his main rivals in the 800m event, Algerian runner Taoufik Makhloufi. "I'm going to be part of a group, something that I haven't done since 2016, and I'm obliged to adapt to all members. Me, who had a lifestyle that is not exactly ideal for a high-performance athlete, for example going to bed late and waking up around midday. But it's a superb chance. I'm going to train alongside my 'best enemy' [Makhloufi] who is also a very nice person. Makhloufi is a level above me, and what else is better than training with someone who is better than you?" (sport365.fr, 16 Nov 2019)

CONSIDERING QUITTING
After winning gold in the 800m at the 2017 World Championships in London, England, he thought about retiring from the sport. "I felt a bit like James Hunt from the racing film 'Rush', which tells the story of [Formula One] drivers Niki Lauda and Hunt. Lauda is ultra passionate and Hunt just wants to be world champion once, and once he achieved that, he got married and stopped driving. I sort of felt the same for a moment, I thought 'I've won a world title, I've shown that I can do it, now I can stop'. But I must admit, athletics is a part of me, and I'm very lucky to be able to live my passion, so that's why I decided to continue. It is also to respect those who work hard and don't win a lot of prizes." (lalsace.fr, 19 Sep 2019)

HAVING FUN
He has become known for giving amusing interviews to journalists after he competes, where he likes to joke and show a sense of humour. "I can explain why I like to fool around after coming off the track. There are two reasons. The first is the rush of endorphins after finishing an 800m race that makes you feel happy as if you are a bit drunk. The second reason is because I don't like the image of grumpy athletes who are difficult to interview, so I like to play around a little. I think I've found a good balance [between being serious and having fun]. There are high moments and low moments, it's the nature of life." (lalsace.fr, 19 Sep 2019; lemonde.fr, 09 Aug 2017)

PARKING LOT INCIDENT
In August 2017, just after winning gold at the world championships in London, England, he was involved in a physical altercation at a casino parking lot in Arcachon, France. His attacker, a former rugby player who a French court described as 'manifestly drunk' at the time of the incident, claimed that Bosse had provoked the attack by slapping him through the window of his car and throwing a can of beer at him. Bosse was punched and then kicked while on the ground, resulting in a double fracture to his jaw and an injury to his left eye. His attacker received a suspended prison sentence of eight months while Bosse, who also had elevated levels of alcohol in his system, received a fine of 1000 euros for throwing the beer can. The incident resulted in the premature end to his 2017 outdoor season. (francebleu.fr, 28 May 2019; lci.fr, 01 May 2019; 13 Sep 2017; lemonde.fr, 28 May 2019)

At the 2017 World Championships in London, England, he became the first French athlete to win gold in the 800m at the world championships. (SportsDeskOnline, 28 Jun 2020)