Benjamin Boukpeti Quotes

France, Athlete
August 4, 1981

Benjamin Kudjow Thomas Boukpeti (born August 4, 1981 in Lagny-sur-Marne, France) is a French-born Togolese slalom canoeist who competed at the international level from 2003 to 2012. Competing in three Summer Olympics, he won a bronze in the K1 event in Beijing in 2008. Boukpeti was the first athlete from Togo to win an Olympic medal.

At the Cardiff World Cup I really would like to make the final. The favorites are still Peter, Daniele or Vavra, but I will try to do my best in order to be closest as possible to these athletes.

Benjamin Boukpeti
Being the first Olympic medallist of my country means that I have some obligations and it was a very tough job for me to resume a proper training schedule due to the (new) status I have in my country.

Benjamin Boukpeti
- Country
- Job
- Obligations

Pre-season was very challenging with the African Championships on my continent. Unfortunately, I failed to qualify for the Games there. It was an emotional moment for me due to the context, but I quickly accepted the result as evidence of what my preparation has been the past 3 years.

Benjamin Boukpeti
I'm also conscious of what this confidence that has been placed in me means. I'm going to the Games through the back door but I'm working everyday to exit through the main door!

Benjamin Boukpeti
- Confidence
- Door
- Games
Despite my inability to qualify to qualify in South Africa, I did really appreciate the support I got from the IOC particularly the Olympic Solidarity, members of the ICF, my own National Olympic Committee, friends and athletes from the Slalom Community. When I got the wild card, it was the cherry on the cake that I could not have imagined. It was much more than I expected for myself.

Benjamin Boukpeti
I'm calm and focused and I can't wait for the biggest sport event in the World to begin.

Benjamin Boukpeti
- World
- Focused
- Sport