Judicaël Perrillat-Bottonet has done it: The biathlon youngster has been accepted into the French elite support program “Excellence 2030”. At the beginning of May, the 20-year-old was called up to a national squad for the first time. He wants to take the next development step there soon.
“It is, in a sense, a milestone that we are happy to have reached,” commented Judicaël Perrillat-Bottonet on his nomination in “Nordic Magazine”.
The talented ski hunter is eager for new impressions: “To experience how an association team works, to have other trainers and new teammates – that can only be exciting and interesting.”
Perrillat-Bottonet gained the trust of the coaching staff last winter when he celebrated his first successes on the international stage. In December he secured two podium places in individual competitions in the Junior Cup.
The young athlete emphasized that he “didn’t really think about possible promotions to the squad during the winter”: “The main goal was to have a good season.” A plan that worked.
In any case, Perrillat-Bottonet is convinced that he has “taken a decisive step forward” – and “that was reflected in my results throughout the season.”
Bitter World Cup disappointment for biathlon hopes
According to his own statement, the fact that the Frenchman missed qualifying for the Junior World Championships on Arber in the spring was a “big disappointment” for him. But being included in the “Excellence 2030” program made up for it.
For Perrillat-Bottonet, of course, this is no reason to lose ground under his feet. “I still only have two arms and two legs,” the 20-year-old clarified: “But this opportunity opens up great prospects for my further development.”
This week Perrillat-Bottonet is taking part in his first training camp with his new teammates. Other biathletes in the five-member group are Antonin Delsol, Flavio Guy, Enzo Bouillet and Nans Madelenat.
