CERISE MICHAUD
At 16, having just completed her high school diploma, she is one of the rising stars of French skateboarding. Born in Annecy, Cerise Michaud grew up in La Clusaz and dedicates a large part of her time to her sport and competition. Here’s a look at Cerise Michaud’s rapid entry into the international circuit, the skater from La Clusaz with unmatched determination.
During the lockdown, like many young people in La Clusaz, Cerise looked for ways to occupy her time and clear her mind. To beat the boredom, she chose skateboarding and decided to get into it by building a small skatepark in front of her house! Although it started as a game, she progressed at an incredible speed. The passion grew, and little by little, she found herself competing and standing on podiums, far from her Aravis roots. Now training in Montpellier, where she practices in Europe’s largest skatepark, she tells us how she got to where she is today.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST MEMORY OF SKATEBOARDING?
It was in La Clusaz after the lockdown, in front of the Club des Sports (laughs). I managed to do my first stair gap (4 stairs), I was really happy!
AND YOUR FIRST FALL, IF YOU REMEMBER IT?
At the same spot, actually… I came back a few days later to do it again, and let’s just say I ate the ground (laughs).
WHEN YOU STARTED, DID YOU HAVE EXAMPLES OF SKATERS AROUND YOU, IN YOUR FAMILY, AMONG YOUR FRIENDS?
I started during the lockdown because I had a skateboard before, but I wasn’t really using it. During the lockdown, I had nothing else to do, so I “tried harder” every day on the small road of Gotty with my neighbor Titouan Blanchard, and it paid off! But no, I don’t have anyone in my family who skates, it’s more about skiing!
HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN SUCH A FAST PROGRESS TO BECOME A HIGH-LEVEL ATHLETE?
I would say it was quite unexpected, everything happened quickly and I skipped some steps. All these events helped me progress faster than average, I think!
DO YOU HAVE A MAGIC POTION OR A SECRET TO SHARE?
Trying to have as much fun as possible and giving it my all!
TELL US ABOUT ONE OR MORE OF YOUR BEST SKATE COMPETITION MEMORIES SO FAR?
In Rio de Janeiro, watching the final with completely crazy tricks and seeing my biggest idols in real life, for the first time!
WHAT DOES A DAY WITH CERISE MICHAUD LOOK LIKE?
7:30 AM: Wake up
8:25 AM – 12:00 PM: Classes at high school
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Classes at high school
4:15 PM – 6:00 PM: Training at Grammont (Montpellier skatepark)
7:00 PM: Meal at the crepes
8:00 PM – 10:30/11:00 PM: Homework
WHAT HAVE BEEN THE KEY STAGES OF THIS LAST YEAR OF PREPARATION?
The World Championships in Japan were very, very tough for me, just like the beginning of the year, and they helped me grow and gain maturity in my skateboarding, I think. It showed in early April at the Plougastel Open when my efforts paid off and I had a breakthrough that allowed me to level up and win the qualifications. I sprained my ankle during the finals, so I couldn’t get a result, but I showed some new things that could have paid off without that little setback!
WHICH SKATER INSPIRES YOU TODAY AND WHY?
Chloé Covell, a 14-year-old Australian skater: I love her style, her tricks, her ease, her technique, her flow, everything is smooth and looks easy!
WHAT MOMENT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE WITH HIM OR HER IF YOU MET?
I’ve already met her, actually! At several World Championships. And we even became pretty good friends.
IF YOU HAD TO INVENT OR CHOOSE THE MOST ORIGINAL TRICK, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Switch backside nose blunt by Jagger Eaton in Shanghai, absolutely insane!
DO YOU PREFER SKATE SESSIONS IN SILENCE OR WITH MUSIC? AND WHAT MUSIC IF THAT’S THE CASE?
With music! During training, I usually listen to French and American rap. For my competition runs, it’s “barcelona92” by Green Montana and SDM, it’s really motivating!
IS THERE A MEAL OR INGREDIENT MADE IN LA CLUSAZ THAT GIVES YOU A BOOST IN SKATE OR COMFORTS YOU?
It’s true that a little piece of rebloch’ after a session is always a treat!
AND FINALLY, WHAT ARE YOUR NEXT SPORTING GOALS? WHAT DO WE WISH YOU FOR THE FUTURE?
Being selected to participate in the World Championships in Rome in September 2024. Nothing is certain yet, but I’m going to give it my all this summer to train hard and get noticed!
