Do you know Charlène Keller? If not, make sure you memorize this name! The 21 years old Swiss with Haitian roots did not only win bronze in the U23 European Championship in Tallinn, with her beautiful smile and charisma she also deserves at least gold in the karma-league!
I met her recently in the beautiful vegetarian place tibits in the NZZ-Bistro, in order to coax some workout secrets out of her to complement my training series.
The young and talented photographer Diana Kottmann from Vision of Touch assumed the role of the paparazzi.
Did you always want to become a pro?
Not at all. I was always attracted by sports, therefore I decided to start with athletics at the age of eleven, but with no professional ambitions. I got them only with 17 when I participated for the first time in a big competition.
Nevertheless, it was always clear to me, that I needed a plan B. Therefore I am studying psychology and business management at the university of Bern. Studying and doing sports is for me the perfect formula.
I assume you train every day?
Not every day, but five days a week during 2-3 hours. Mi coach Jacques Codeay supervises all sprint sessions. Twice a week I have general training with weights etc. The rest of the days we focus on my sprint disciplines, 100 and 200 meters.
I assume you run also longer distances in order to maintain a high level of endurance?
No, the longest distance I run are 200 meters. (Oh my god, I think I should become a sprinter…)
Talking about nutrition, do you have to follow a lot of rules and restrictions?
Of course I try to eat healthy and balanced, but eating should be also fun! Four hours before my workout I try to have a rich meal with a lot of good carbohydrates and proteins. Just before I workout, I usually eat a cereal bar. Twice a day I take „Nutrilite“, a food supplement with vitamins minerals and plant-bases ingredients. Nutrilite is offered to all squad athletes by Amway Switzerland, a premium partner of Swiss Athletics. It guarantees that our body receives all the vitamins and minerals he needs and it supports and strengthens the body’s defenses.
I usually do some outdoor training, also in the winter. What do I have to consider?
It is essential that you wear appropriate clothes. Make sure you are not cold. Before you start the core workout, do a proper warm-up. You can go for a short run, do some cycling and stretching exercises. And don’t forget to drink!
And now a very different topic: fashion! We usually see the athletes only in the training outfits. Today I’ve met a beautiful young lady with a great style! Where do you get your fashion inspiration?
I love to go shopping with my friends and to try new styles. Best of all is shopping abroad or in small unique boutiques. I am really open when it comes to fashion and love to reinvent my style.
Thank you so much for your time. I wish you all the best.
