This encounter begins in Clermont-Ferrand. Pauline Chambefort, a customer of Indies, enters our boutique to find the perfect dress for the Marathon Pour Tous bib ceremony, organized as part of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Inspired by her unique story, Indies wanted to highlight this athletic woman whose commitment and fighting spirit perfectly reflect the values we cherish at Indies: strength, confidence, and determination.
Pauline Chambefort exclusively answered our questions between training sessions ahead of the August 10th race. She talks to us about her passion for sport, the opportunity to run in the Olympics, and her fight against cystic fibrosis. Discover the interview with a determined athlete and a committed woman.
Tell us about yourself, your background, and your love/passion for running? How did it come about?
Naturally sporty, I practiced many sports when I was young (judo, athletics, tennis, dance, handball...) But coming from a family of 4 lively children, and thanks to dynamic parents, it was necessary to find an activity that we could all practice together. That's how I started running with my big brother and it never left me. It wasn't always easy because it must be admitted that it's a sport where progress is not seen immediately. But with hard work, I acquired a taste for it. During my physiotherapy studies, I met my husband who practiced triathlon and that's how I continued to train alongside him and set myself several goals.
How did you get the opportunity to participate in the Marathon for All?
When I first started preparing for the Paris Olympics, an app was set up to help me complete several sporting challenges. I signed up for it without any pretensions, but it could give me a boost from time to time. Little by little, I completed several challenges, and that allowed me to get a bib for the Marathon for All. I hadn't really planned a marathon-type preparation in my daily life, but I was super motivated by the idea of running on the same course as Olympic athletes! (Editor's note: The Marathon for All, organized as part of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, offers an exceptional opportunity for amateurs to run on the same course as Olympic athletes. Held at night on August 10, 2024, this exclusive event allows you to experience the adventure of the Games in an immersive way, on a course that pays homage to Parisian heritage and history.)
Your desire to compete in the Olympics goes beyond performance and rewards; you're running to support the fight against cystic fibrosis. Why did you choose this fight over another?
Indeed, I thought this was the perfect opportunity to run for a good cause. The fight against cystic fibrosis has been close to my heart since I was a little girl, having a loved one with the disease. We must fight for our patients and encourage progress in improving the chances of a cure.
You chose to appear in an Indies dress at the bib presentation the day before the marathon. Why did you choose us?
When the bibs are handed out, we find ourselves among athletes and often we are rather in shorts/sneakers from the many sports brands. I wanted to break this image, you can be sporty and elegant! And I hope to be before the marathon. For me, Indies dresses are ideal, their technical jersey material is so pleasant to wear, and the result is just perfect!
Any next project in sight after this marathon?
After the marathon, I'm going to take a little vacation... But living in Auvergne, I already have a trail run planned for the end of September (L'estival du Sancy) of 19km with 1300m of elevation gain. It will be very different from Paris but just as enjoyable!
"We believe that the well-being and fit of our products go hand in hand with an active and fulfilling life. Pauline is proof of this in the dress she chose for the bib ceremony."
We are delighted to share this inspiring encounter with you and hope that many of you will follow and encourage Pauline in her race for this noble cause. To give more meaning to this race, the young woman has opened a fundraiser "Let's give more breath to those who lack it!" The profits will be donated to the association, Vaincre la mucoviscidose.
Encourage Pauline Chambefort and make a donation to the fight against cystic fibrosis
Update of August 12
"This Saturday, August 10, Pauline successfully crossed the finish line in 3 hours and 29 minutes. We are proud of her achievement in this sporting and charitable adventure. Congratulations to all the finishers of this historic Olympic Games race!
