He started athletics at the age of 10 but faced rejection from a coach who didn't want to train visually impaired athletes. This led him to torball, an indoor ball game for people with vision impairments, before he returned to athletics. He made his debut for France in 2012.

Injuries and Setbacks

Throughout his career, he has faced numerous injuries. In April and June 2023, he struggled with hamstring injuries but still competed at the World Championships in Paris. He had similar issues before the 2017 World Championships in London and experienced peri-tendinitis in his Achilles tendon that same year.

In 2016, he suffered a shoulder injury during the 100m semifinal at the Rio Paralympics, which required surgery. Despite a torn calf muscle, he competed at the 2013 World Championships in Lyon. He also had appendicitis in 2012, requiring an operation.

Training and Philosophy

He trains up to six days a week for two to six hours daily at the National Institute of Sport, Expertise and Performance [INSEP] in Paris. His training is guided by coaches Dimitri Demoniere and Ladji Doucoure since 2022. He admires athletes like Tony Parker, Michael Jordan, Usain Bolt, and Marie-Jose Perec.

His training philosophy focuses on both technical aspects and mental strength. He believes that doubting oneself can be beneficial as it prevents complacency.

Disqualifications

He has faced several disqualifications at major events. At the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo, he was disqualified in his 400m heat after losing the tether. In the 2014 European Championships in Swansea, he was disqualified for a false start during the 100m final. Similar incidents occurred at the 2016 Rio Paralympics and the 2017 World Championships in London.

Ambitions

He aims to win a gold medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris to make up for his disqualification at the Tokyo Games. He also plans to develop basketball for vision-impaired people in France.

The White Cheetah

The nickname "Le Guepard Blanc" [the White Cheetah] was given to him by his coach Arthemon Hatungimana before his first final at the 2013 World Championships. The name has stuck ever since and is something he finds satisfying.

Music and Future Plans

A hip hop enthusiast, he was part of a band called TMRIT but left to focus on training. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he released a single titled 'La Banane,' which talks about living with an impairment while maintaining a positive outlook.

After his athletic career, he plans to venture into music and stand-up comedy. He has set up a company that released a video game accessible to people with disabilities. Additionally, he aims to create a version of basketball for visually impaired individuals.

This athlete's journey is marked by resilience and determination. Despite numerous setbacks, he continues to strive for excellence both on and off the track.