TAVERNIER Alexandra

General
INCREASING HER PROFILE
She hopes that one day throwing athletes will be as recognised in France as sprinters, jumpers and middle distance runners. "There isn't any envy towards my fellow athletes. On the contrary, we need to let people know that we are also athletes. We need to create another image for our sport, and it's up to us throwers to let people know about this sport, to explain that we are athletes who train twice a day and we are not beer consumers. Sadly, in France there are a lack of coaches who might demonstrate this sport to young people. But things are about to change and we must make a contribution." (liberation.fr, 28 Sep 2019)

DIFFICULT TIMES
A number of changes occurred in her life in 2016, which included a new coach and a different training base, and she started experiencing issues with her mental health. She began working with a psychologist in May 2017, and also found support from coach Gilles Dupray and French discus thrower Melina Robert-Michon. "It took me a year-and-a-half before I realised that I had to get help. I'm not the same person as I was two years ago, so I can't be as spontaneous or carefree. A lot of changes took place in a short period of time and I let myself go. But I am lucky to be coached by Gilles Dupray, who still believes in me. [Robert-Michon] has always been there. She is someone I respect, with whom I have a lot of emotional ties. I can go see her and I know that she will not judge." (lepoint.fr, 04 Aug 2017)

She became the first female competitor representing France to win gold in hammer throw at the world junior championships by claiming victory at the 2012 edition in Barcelona, Spain. (SportsDeskOnline, 24 Feb 2020; alexandra-tavernier.com, 01 Jan 2016)