Monegasque Olympians compete in Rio Saturday

Artistic Gymnast Kevin Crovetto starts in first rotation of Floor Exercise 3:30 pm CET Saturday.

Kevin Crovetto (Artistic Gymnastics) arrived last Saturday in Brazil with Yann Siccardi (Judo) and Brice Etes (800m), the official trio of the Monegasque delegate competing in the Games of the XXXI Olympiad.

“It’s so much fun to rub shoulders with famous athletes from all disciplines,” the 24-year-old told the Monegasque Olympic Committee. “I was eating a few meters from swimmers and tennis players who I know, like most other people, from watching them on TV.”

Crovetto said there’s a real sense of conviviality in Rio and that the facilities are very good with the Olympic Village being well thought out, including relaxation areas and with lots of greenery, fountains and sports fields.

“I’ve been training every day, sometimes morning and afternoon.” Admitting that the pressure is slowly mounting for this first time Olympian, Crovetto added, “Wednesday I practiced in the same room where I’ll be competing. Afterwards, I had to try not to put added pressure on myself and remember that I’m just happy to be here. You have to have fun and enjoy every moment.”

UPDATE: Crovetto completed competition Saturday with the following results:
Men’s horizontal bar Rank: 69 – Score: 12.666
Men’s parallel bars Rank: 67 – Score: 12.700
Men’s individual all-around Rank: 49 – Score: 76.056
Men’s floor exercise Rank: 66 – Score: 12.858
Men’s rings Rank: 70 – Score: 12.866
Men’s pommel horse  Rank: 71 – Score: 11.800

Yann Siccardi competes in Judo under 60 kg division. He faces Japan’s Naohisa Takato at 4:10 pm CET Saturday.

This is the third consecutive Summer Olympics for Yann Siccardi, who carried the flag for Monaco during the Opening Ceremonies last night.

“I’m trying not to think too much about it,” he said. “I’ve been training every day to stay active without tiring myself out, which is important. And we’ve been savouring every moment because this is such an extraordinary experience for us.”

Siccardi admitted that the mind is the hardest thing to manage in competitions. “In the village, you see your opponents and the danger is to let them get inside your head. It’s important not to let the stress get to you.”

UPDATE: Siccardi completed Round of 32 losing to Takato 101-OH.

Brice Etes, the third member of the Monegasque delegation, will compete in the 800m on Friday August 13. Source: Comité Olympique Monégasque 

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