29-Oct to 06-Nov 2004, Nottingham, England


  

   British Open  PORTRAITS                    
Framboise meets Isabelle Stoehr ...


ISABELLE:

So, sweety pie, you’re based in Manchester now, are you ?

Yes, I’ve been living in Manchester since the 1st July.

Why Manchester?

For 18 months two years, I was going up there regularly, and was spending roughly a week per month. So, I knew some people there. So, it was logical for me to settle there….

Since the move, has your game evolved?

Yes, now, every day, I can play a high standard match, and I’m in much better conditions to train. When I was in Chambery, I was the only player there. Here, there is a real group, with a real dynamic, and it feels great. And on top of that, in England, squash is the only thing I can do. That, and improve my English…

Did you find somewhere to live?

Yes, I’m sharing a house with two mates from Cheadle Squash Club.

You’re now 25, neither a junior, nor a vet. Where do you see yourself in the next 2/3 years?

I hope I can make it to the top of the top ... I didn’t set a date or anything, but I think that I should be reaching my full potential around 28.

You endured quite a long series of injuries…

Yes, I think they were due to bad training and overweight. So, I started losing the weight, and I changed my training routine. My knee also is now sorted, I did a lot of rehabilitation. In other words, I’m trying to get a real athlete's body.

An athlete's body…

Stop laughing! No, when I arrived in England, it was pointed out to me that the physical preparation is vital, otherwise, the body just cracks up. And also, the mental side plays a crucial role…

On a more personal subject, are you single?

Yes, since I’ve moved here, as I had to leave my heart in Chambery…

To finish, apart from you, who may win the tournament?

Well, not that I enjoy the prospect, as I’m in her part of the draw, but I think that Natalie Granger has got a very good chance…

 All content ©2004 Framboise Gommendy

 

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