Spotlight on Women in Sports

In honor of the International Day of Women's Sports on January 24, we are highlighting four remarkable female athletes: Sam Davies, Clarisse Crémer, Cécile Bertin, and Gloria Nasr. Each of these women has demonstrated incredible perseverance and dedication in their respective sports, continually pushing their limits to achieve their goals.

Sam Davies

My Sport: Offshore Racing (Volvo Ocean Race, Vendée Globe, etc.)

How Did This Passion Begin?

Since birth!

My Training Routine and Daily Motivation:

Right now, I’m focusing on physical training because the boat is in the shipyard. I’m also working on the boat and collaborating with the team to oversee its refit and familiarize myself with it. I spend time with our partners and the Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque association (I’m even going on a mission to Burundi in Africa in three weeks).

When the boat is in the water, I alternate between races and training sessions. I’m part of the Pôle Finistère Course au Large, where training stages are organized for skippers.

What I’m Most Proud Of:

My 4th place finish in the Vendée Globe 2008/09. I was also the skipper of Team SCA during the Volvo Ocean Race 2014/15, where we won the Lorient leg.

My Advice to Athletes Looking to Reach the Next Level:

If you truly want it, you’ll get there! Stay committed, never give up, work hard, and enjoy every moment—even the tough ones.

The Last Time I Ate Lyophilise & Co:

During the Transat Jacques Vabre 2017 (freeze-dried meals)... Otherwise, this morning during my workout when I added electrolytes to my water.

Follow Sam Davies

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Cécile Bertin 

My Sport:
Ultra-marathon, preferably in the desert, but not exclusively!

How Did This Passion Begin?

It all started with road running. I quickly increased the distances and just as quickly left the road for trails after completing my first trail marathon in Antarctica. I dreamed of going back there to run an ultra, but to make that happen, I needed to succeed in multiple ultras in the world’s great deserts.

Like many others, I started with the Marathon des Sables, which I discovered in Paris Match. And that’s how it all began!!

My Training Routine and Daily Motivation:

I don’t really have a routine and, in truth, I train very little. I have significant back problems, so I limit my training mileage to protect it. I spend a lot of time on my home trainer in the basement!

My motivation? Enjoying a peaceful moment while watching my favorite series. :)

What I’m Most Proud Of:

Showing my children that anything is possible if you work for it. I fund all my races through sponsorship, which is an ultra-marathon in itself.

When you’re a woman and not a professional athlete, it’s incredibly challenging. It took me two years to secure the funds for my last big project, but I never gave up. That’s the one thing I’m truly proud of. The rest is just putting one foot in front of the other in stunning landscapes!

My Advice to Athletes Looking to Reach the Next Level:

First and foremost, believe in yourself. You can’t convince others to support you if you don’t start with self-belief. Ignore the naysayers, the jealous, and the bitter. And always remember, any Marathon des Sables is nothing compared to giving birth without an epidural! :)

The Last Time I Ate Lyophilise & Co:

I’m not sure I should admit this, but since I work from home, sometimes when I don’t have time, I dip into my little stock of freeze-dried meals to avoid cooking! So, actually, it was about a month ago. :) But during a race, it was in May on a stage ultra in Hawaii—the first ever organized there.

Learn More About Cécile Bertin:

runfitfun.fr

Clarisse Crémer

My Sport: Offshore Sailing

How Did This Passion Begin?

I’ve always loved the sea and nature, but I only discovered offshore racing two years ago. It’s an incredibly comprehensive and demanding discipline that captivated me immediately—even if sometimes, it’s really tough!

My Training Routine and Daily Motivation:

I focus on physical training more than five days a week and try to sail as much as possible to keep improving.

Sailing also involves many other aspects that require constant learning: technical skills (like knowing how to repair your boat) and decision-making (such as improving strategy and understanding weather patterns). Whenever I feel a bit down, I imagine myself alone at sea, and my motivation quickly returns!

What I’m Most Proud Of:

Successfully crossing the Atlantic solo during the 2017 Mini Transat and finishing 2nd out of 55 competitors.

My Advice to Athletes Looking to Reach the Next Level:

Be super serious about your preparation! But being "serious" doesn’t mean taking yourself too seriously. ;)

The Last Time I Ate Lyophilise & Co:

During my Atlantic crossing last November. I have a soft spot for the chicken and porcini risotto and the brownie.

Follow Clarisse Crémer:

www.clarissecremer.com
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Gloria NASR

My Sport: Running

How Did This Passion Begin?

I was looking for a sport that suited me—something free and independent, without restrictions on location or schedule. I started running in 2002, and I haven’t stopped since.

My Training Routine and Daily Motivation:

Until last year, I trained intuitively because I found structured training plans too restrictive. Over the past year, I’ve been following a plan, training 4 to 7 times a week depending on the season.

I rarely lack motivation, no matter the weather. On the contrary, I often can’t wait to run and reconnect with myself. I enjoy training alone.

What I’m Most Proud Of:

Achieving a dream: completing a transcontinental race from Paris to Beirut in 2013, covering 4,150 km in 3 months and 10 days.

Now, I’m committed to pursuing a new challenge: a transcontinental race from Paris to Beijing. (Learn more: www.parispekin-en-courant.com)

My Advice to Athletes Looking to Reach the Next Level:

Dare to start. We all have untapped physical potential. Keep in mind, “It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, but because we do not dare that they are difficult.” With passion, determination, and discipline, anything is possible.

The Last Time I Ate Lyophilise & Co:

During the Marathon des Sables in Peru (November 26 to December 6) for freeze-dried meals. And just a few minutes ago for the best energy bar—the Fuizion nut bar, which I absolutely love!

Learn More About Gloria's Projects:

Son site

Thank you once again, ladies—you are truly inspiring and motivating!