PORTAL Alex

Classification
S13, SB13, SM13 (IPC, 15 Feb 2021)

Type of Impairment
Vision impairment (cno-stgermain.com, 01 Apr 2016)

Origin of Impairment
Congenital (Athlete, 13 Aug 2018)

Impairment Details
He was born with albinism and as a result has a visual impairment. "I lack pigmentation in my retina and have nystagmus which means my eyes move involuntarily and I have trouble focusing on objects. It is a genetic condition. In my family we are four children, three boys and a girl, but only me and my brother [Kylian] are affected." (openswimstars.com, 26 Nov 2020)

General
BALANCING SPORT AND STUDIES
He studied chemistry and physics at CY Cergy Paris University with a plan to move into engineering school after. He says balancing his studies and training can be difficult at times. "There is some flexibility, for example I have the right not to attend classes on Wednesday afternoons when I am in training. I warn teachers in advance if I need to be absent, especially for competitions, and I can ask for special permission if I cannot be present for an exam. For revision, it's a little harder to catch up, but thanks to the flexibilities allowed by the university I am able to catch up. Swimming training takes a lot of time but it is a choice that I made. The dual project of sport and studies is close to my heart, I want to have the freedom to swim and at the same time not to give up my studies. After my studies, I would like to become an engineer in the renewable energies sector." (cyu.fr, 04 Jan 2021; openswimstars.com, 26 Nov 2020)

BROTHERLY LOVE
His younger brother Kylian has the same impairment and is also a competitive Para swimmer. He is hopeful that they will both qualify for the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. "I want to train him behind me. Both of us at the Paralympic Games in Paris would be my biggest dream." (leparisien.fr, 15 Dec 2020)