Laura Flessel's challenges

Laura Flessel has already left his mark in fencing history but the champion represented by Lagardère Unlimited is now facing two huge challenges: the World Championships in Paris before the London 2012 Olympic Games, her ultimate goal.

Few great champions have managed to leave such a mark in their sport. If Laura Flessel is set to celebrate her 39th birthday soon, she has almost won everything in fencing. With five medals – three golds - at the Olympic Games, thirteen medals – six titles – at the World Championships, fourth – one gold – in Europe, and also countless rewards at the French Championships or the World Cup, ''the Wasp'', her nickname, has a impressive record of achievements.

And she aims to add other trophies to her list of honours before the end of the year 2010. Her next goal is to shine at the World Fencing Championships in Paris, from November 4 to 13, at the majestic Grand Palais. ''We usually play all over the world and 80% of the audience root against us. In Paris, we will get 99% of the support and it will be very motivating, she says. And even if the Grand Palais is a prestigious place, I will act like I would have in a gymnasium. I want to see it as a common place in order to focus on my main goal: the gold medal.''

After these World Championships, she will move on to her ultimate goal: the London 2012 Olympic Games. ''My goal is to be ready by the end of February 2011, for the beginning of the selection process for the Olympics, she has already planned. I know what I want to do, I am motivated and there will be no regrets. I will start to think about the Olympics after November 20.'' Once the Olympic Games will be over, the champion represented by Lagardère Unlimited will end her stunning career. But the fencing world won't forget her.