At age 15, Lemaitre's family encouraged him to explore his running potential. His impressive debut at a sports festival led to his immediate recruitment by the athletics club AS Aix-les-Bains. He has been training under coaches Pierre Caraz and Thierry Tribondeau.

Nicknames and Hobbies

Lemaitre earned the nickname "El Maestro" after winning three gold medals at the 2010 European Championships in Barcelona. Outside of athletics, he enjoys playing video games.

Memorable Achievements

One of Lemaitre's most notable achievements is winning bronze in the 200m at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. This made him the second French male athlete to win an Olympic 200m medal, following Abdoulaye Seye's bronze in 1960.

Injuries and Recovery

Lemaitre's career has been marred by several injuries. In 2020, an adductor muscle injury prevented him from competing in key events. He also faced calf and thigh injuries in 2019, hamstring issues in 2018, and multiple injuries in 2017 and 2015.

Milestones

Lemaitre made history by becoming the first male athlete to win gold in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay at a single European Championship edition in 2010. In 2014, he became the first French athlete to win eight medals at the European Championships.

Psychology and Card Games

Lemaitre credits psychology and the card game "Magic: The Gathering" for helping him overcome mental challenges and develop patience. He believes these tools aided his recovery from injuries better than before.

Running Under 10 Seconds

In 2010, Lemaitre ran the 100m in under 10 seconds, a feat that garnered significant media attention. He has consistently rejected discussions about race in athletics, focusing instead on his love for competing.

Late Olympic Medal

Lemaitre was part of the French 4x100m relay team that initially finished fifth at the 2012 London Olympics but was later awarded bronze due to disqualifications of other teams. The medal ceremony took place at the Stade de France during a Diamond League meet in July 2015.

Future Ambitions

Lemaitre aims to win a medal at future Olympic Games to become the third French athlete to win medals at three successive Olympics. He plans to continue competing until at least Paris 2024.

Lemaitre's journey is marked by significant achievements and challenges. His resilience and dedication continue to inspire many in the world of athletics.