Nailé Meignan Interview

Nailé, let’s introduce yourself.
My name is Nailé Meignan, I’m 15, I was born on December 18th, 2003 in Chambéry, and I’ve always lived here. Years before my whole family used to live even more in the heart of mountains, but we decided to get a little closer to the town to be more comfortable, especially with training sessions. We are five brothers: two brothers and two sisters older than me, so I am the youngest. Mum was a judo champion and dad is a mountain guide. 

Did you remember your first climbing experiences?
We all have been climbing since we were little. My family always went climbing during the holidays or on the weekends. During the summer we used to travel in a van for two months to go climbing in Spain, Greece, or here in France. 

When did you start to compete?
I started very early, with small competitions that were held here in Chambery: for example the Petit Duc, which was also fun because it was a team competition, we were children and all those races included climbing, lead and speed but also some routes to do or jumps. I was 8 years old. Then I started taking part in the Coupe de France, and I noticed from race to race that I was doing pretty well. I used to won sometimes and I have been in the Equipe de France for two years.

She makes me smile as she tells about her young career, no doubt remarkable, with the ease of someone doing something so naturally. It seems normal for Nailé to be this good. Just to let you know, the girl at 9 did her first 7c +. At 12, an 8c. Twice winner of the European Youth Boulder Championships in 2017 and 2018, and the same year she was second at the Youth World Cup, in the Boulder category.

“The story actually changed a bit when I entered the Minimes category (13-15 years ed) where you have access to international competitions. Now I have moved to the Cadets category (16-17) and I can participate into senior championships.”

Nailé’s first footsteps among older guys were quite convinced. Precisely last March, her first time at the French Boulder Championships, the young lady earned no less than a second place. Yet now here we are, talking quietly about her busy fifteen years old days. As for the school, Nailé is attending a special school for students who, like her, have parallel activities, like  sports, dance, or music.

Three half-days a week are free to train, but also to go out with classmates.
The great thing is that my classmates all have thing to do beyond school, just like me, so we understand each other because we have the same lifestyle. When we go out, we don’t talk so much about sports… we go downtown, we eat something, we go to the cinema. My favorite movie? Inception. And as for music… I like the techno music!

What is the general atmosphere during competitions?
Competitions have several different moments: sitting there waiting for my turn is very different compared to the previous days. But the day before a race there is no competition. We have fun all together and get to know people from abroad. For example, there’s this Austrian girl, Laura Ammer, I meet every time and I am very happy about it. At the beginning, I was a bit afraid but the general atmosphere is great. And in addition, it gives me the opportunity to travel and visit new places: Italy, Austria, but also China, Japan, Russia…

What places would you like to visit, beyond competitions?
I’d like to go to Flatanger, Norway… and then to Rocklands, South Africa. These places attract me a lot since everyone always talks about them now I want to go there too.