Shar's competitive spirit was nurtured from a young age. She recalls running in fields with her siblings, always striving to outpace her brother. This competitive nature led her to pursue various sports before choosing swimming. A coach's encouragement prompted her to concentrate on swimming professionally.

Club and Coaching

Currently, Shar is affiliated with Montpellier Mediterranee Metropole UC Natation in France. Since 2020, she has been training under the guidance of Bernd Berkhahn, a German coach. Her training base is located in Magdeburg, Germany.

Memorable Achievements

One of Shar's most notable achievements is winning gold in the 10km open water event at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. This victory stands out as a highlight in her career.

Injuries and Challenges

Shar has faced several injuries throughout her career. In October 2015, she sustained a shoulder injury that troubled her until mid-2016. Another shoulder injury hampered her performance in 2019. Despite these setbacks, she continued to push forward.

Philosophy and Awards

Shar believes that giving one's all in training makes competing easier. Her motto is, "Believe in yourself and everything is possible." She has been recognised multiple times for her excellence in open water swimming. The European Swimming Federation named her Female Open Water Swimmer of the Year in 2014, 2018, and 2021. Additionally, she received the same honour from the International Swimming Federation in 2016.

Adaptation During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic posed unique challenges for Shar. Returning to France from Germany, she used a paddling pool to continue training when other options were unavailable. This innovative approach helped her maintain fitness during lockdowns.

Change of Coach

In August 2020, Shar transitioned from French coach Philippe Lucas to German coach Bernd Berkhahn. She expressed gratitude for Lucas's guidance but felt ready for new challenges and opportunities with Berkhahn's team.

Training Journey

Shar's training journey has taken her across Europe. Moving to France at age seven, she began competitive swimming there. In 2008, she decided to compete for the Netherlands. After training stints in the Netherlands and France, she settled on working with coach Philippe Lucas before eventually switching to Bernd Berkhahn.

Overcoming Doubts

The shoulder injury before the Rio Olympics led Shar to doubt her performance capabilities. Despite losing power and facing depression, she managed to secure gold in the 10km event. This victory proved her resilience and determination.

Biography Release

In January 2020, Shar's biography titled 'BRUUT' was released. Written by Natasja Weber, a journalist for Dutch newspaper Eindhovens Dagblad, it provides an in-depth look into Shar's life and career.

Looking ahead, Shar continues to train rigorously under Bernd Berkhahn's guidance in Magdeburg. Her journey exemplifies dedication and perseverance in the face of challenges.