Camille Lutz

A young hopeful in French table tennis, Camille Lutz is also a second-year computer science student at Sorbonne University. From her intensive preparation for the Paris Olympic Games to the pre-competition rituals, including the objects that accompany her during tournaments, Camille Lutz takes us behind the scenes of her life as a high-level sports student.

How did your passion for table tennis begin?
Camille Lutz: It comes to me from my mother, who did it in her youth at a regional level. When she decided to take up the sport again, we started playing together. I was attracted to ping-pong from my childhood because it helped me channel my energy. When I was little, I was very active! What studies are you currently doing?

What are you currently studying? 
C.L.: I am in the second year of a computer science degree. I chose this course after following the MIPI portal and among the subjects offered – maths, computer science, physics, engineering—it was computer science that captured my interest the most. I particularly like doing coding and programming. This fits well with my rational and logical personality.

For the moment, I don't yet know what job I want to do. My short-term goal is to complete my degree. I would then like to pursue a master’s degree.

How do you combine your studies and high-level sport?
C.L. : Most of my days are devoted to table tennis. I train from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by a strength training session. Then I have a two and a half hour break, during which I either take a nap or study my classes. And mid-afternoon until the end of the day, I have another workout. I go to college half a day a week. Currently, high-level sport plays a big role in my life. However, I make sure to invest in my training, and dedicate time to studies in the evening, after training or on the weekend.

How does Sorbonne University support you in this project?
C.L.: Sorbonne University helps me organize my schedule. This year, rather than taking a gap year, I chose to only take one subject. Thanks to the arrangements offered by the university, I was able to do my first year of my degree over two years. This special device allows me to progress in my studies while adapting to my sporting constraints. I am also fortunate to be able to benefit from tutoring and the Passport to the Olympics scholarship from the Sorbonne University Foundation, which notably allows tournaments to be financed.

What do the Paris Olympic Games mean to you?
C.L.: The Games are a dream! It’s an exceptional opportunity to experience these Olympics in Paris, in front of my family, my friends and the French public. This experience only comes once in a lifetime.

How do you prepare for it?
C.L. : My preparation involves constant performance throughout the year to move up the rankings and be able to qualify. Concretely, this consists of numerous matches to play to gain points, but also experience. Thanks to INSEP, where I train, I have the chance to benefit from numerous resources to prepare myself.

What are your goals for these Olympics?
C.L.: My main goal is to qualify. And if I succeed, above all I want to have as much fun as possible, because I know that this is how I play my best table tennis.

Do you have a lucky object that you bring to competitions?
C.L.: I don't really have a lucky charm, but I always bring my own pillow when I'm in a tournament. And I do a lot! Recently, two days after a match with my club, TT de Saint-Quentin, I took the plane to China and a few days later, I left for another tournament in Italy. With a busy schedule of matches, I like to feel at home to sleep… and I hate hotel pillows!  

Do you have a ritual before each competition?
C.L.: Before each competition, I stick to my usual routines. I prepare my racket and do the same warm-up exercises to feel ready mentally and physically

What is your most memorable memory during a competition?
C.L.: I have several memorable memories, including my victories in junior tournaments in France, the European Top 10, and the French championships. But the best is yet to come!