Before appearing on the dance floor of “Dancing with the Stars” this season, Laure Manaudou made a name for herself in a completely different setting – the competition swimming pool. Rose to the top at a young age, she emerged as one of the leading figures in French swimming. But with hindsight, the former champion now views that period of her life very differently. In an interview with “La Tribune dimanche” on April 5, 2026, she reflects on her relationship with time and performance: “Between 20 and 30 years old, it feels like I didn’t realize that time was passing. My favorite time is now. Because I feel good, I’m doing projects that I enjoy. I do them for my well-being. Before, I swam to win, it didn’t necessarily make me happy. Now, the challenges I take on are for me.”
After swimming, mental health at the heart of Laure Manaudou’s life
A marked evolution, which also manifests through a distancing from pure competition. Now turning to other challenges, like preparing for her first marathon, she explains that she no longer wants to compare herself to her past performances: “I don’t swim anymore, so I don’t have a reference point. I think if I get into a pool and do 30 seconds more than before, it will demoralize me.” Interviewed on April 23 by Gala, Laura Manaudou opened up about another aspect she wanted to add to her skill set. “Regarding your profession, you trained as a kinesiologist, practiced around energies. Why?” they asked her.
And the response was quick! “I am passionate about mental health, psychology, to understand what leads us to take certain paths in life. I met a kinesiologist in a women’s circle when I was pregnant,” she first detailed. Kinesiology is a holistic method aimed at restoring balance between the body, emotions, and mind. She continued, “I had a session with her and decided to follow the training for two years. It allowed me to understand many things about myself.” For example? “I have never been so aligned. I know what I want, but more importantly, what I no longer want. And those around me know me, know what I have been through and what I want,” explained Florent Manaudou’s sister. And she concluded, “I am very grateful to have a support system that pays attention to my mental health. They make sure there are no excesses, make sure I am respected.”
Laure Manaudou faces post-pregnancy
The athlete also opened up about her relationship with her body after her pregnancies. What was the most difficult for her? “The hardest part is regaining your body, trusting it. We tend to believe that we will easily recover our figure. I have never been self-conscious about my body,” she emphasized. During her first pregnancy, Laure Manaudou had “gained 23 kilos” and was hopeful for the post-pregnancy period. “At the time, I did sports and thought that in two months, it would be okay. But not at all. (Laughs) It took me a year and a half, with weight training, training… I am like everyone else, I gain weight, lose it, gain it back… You have to give yourself time,” she concluded. Couldn’t have said it better!
