Mediterranean origins
Louise Cervera, a native of the Alpes Maritimes region of France, first set sail on an Optimist. From the age of 7, she quickly demonstrated a keen interest in regattas. She then moved on to the Laser 4.7, competing against a mixed group of sailors. Women's sailing is not yet very developed, and this evolution against male competitors helps her to progress faster.
She then switched to her current boat, the ILCA 6, formerly a Laser Radial. Experienced sailors Marie Bolou and Mathilde de Kerangat gave her the benefit of their knowledge and acted as mentors.
An early success story
In 2014, Louise Cervera was selected to represent France at the Youth Olympic Games in China. At the age of 16, she took part in her first major international competition. It was the turning point.
Louise wants to specialize in top-level regattas. She achieved a string of top 5 finishes in world championships, before becoming French champion in 2018.
She then embarked on the great adventure of preparing for the Olympics, with a view to competing in Tokyo in 2020. In the end, the more experienced Marie Bolou was chosen to represent France on the Japanese waters, but Louise continued to train with her, both to continue supporting her and to gain further experience.
In 2022, it finished in 3rd place e place in the Semaine Olympique de Hyères, confirming its ease in Mediterranean conditions.
With 5 months to go before the 2024 Games, she made her mark by winning the bronze medal at the European championships held in Athens. On the strength of this podium, she remains focused on her preparation, which she continues at the Pôle France in Roucas Blanc, with the support of another laserist, Marie Barrué, who acts as her sparring partner to finalize her preparation in the harbor of Marseilles.
A team united around its preparation
A member of the Mandelieu Yacht Club, Louise is also studying engineering at INSA Lyon. Under the guidance of her trainer Fabrizio Lazzerini, she has maintained a high level of training on Lake Garda. She also benefits from the support of Ingrid Petitjean, who brings her experience as a mental coach. All in all, nearly 8 people are involved in Louise's preparation.
In January 2024, after three intense years of Olympic preparation and advanced studies, the young woman learned that she would be the French representative in the ILCA 6. This headstrong woman is preparing to race in one of the densest fleets, with almost 120 competitors. The ILCA is a very demanding series, the level is incredible, and the smallest detail is important in the quest for a medal.
