Aussies put smile on Bernard's face
France's 100 metres freestyle Olympic champion Alain Bernard paid tribute to Australia's swimming squad on Saturday saying that they had given him a different outlook on training. The 28-year-old - whose win in the 100m in the 2008 Olympics was only the second gold for a French male swimmer in the history of the Games - said spending time out in Australia training with the Australians had put a smile on his face and was a nice contrast to that of his French team-mates. "I had the good fortune to have a training session in Australia a month ago," said Bernard, who is hoping to defend his Olympic title in London next year. "That group of 8-10 swimmers had won between them around 15 world championship medals. "What really struck me was their conviviality. Whether it was morning or night-time and whether they were tired or fresh, they arrived with a smile on their faces. "They are happy to be there together. "In France we have a tendency to complain when something isn't going our way. "It is part of our mentality and it finds its way into sport as well. "When we have something we are happy but if we could have something that belongs to our neighbour, we take it and that is a shame." Bernard, who has held the world records for both the 100 and 50m freestyle, said his sunnier disposition could be because he was entering the twilight of his career. "It is maybe also because it is the last year where I am doing this with such a level of intensity," said Bernard, who also won Olympic bronze in the 50m freestyle and silver in the 4x100m relay at Beijing. "But that also makes me eager to enjoy it to the full. And that sets off a positive cycle where if you are in a good mood, you are going to swim well. "It has a spiral effect and it is important that I maintain it throughout the year." Bernard, a two-time European champion in the 100m freestyle and once in the 50m freestyle, said he was focussing first on the French championships rather than getting ahead of himself and concentrating solely on the Olympics. "The London Olympics come after the French championships (March 18-25)," he said. "It is the French championships (the qualifiers for the Olympics) which are of primary importance because one has to be at ones best. "Even if the odds are in my favour to qualify, nothing is certain. "One mustn't do things in reverse. I have always operated like that. "It is pretty much my last year at this level and I am going to do everything possible to emerge satisfied. "Not especially regarding the result because we will know that in due course but with regard to the commitment and to the investment put in. "I don't want to have regrets. The hunger has always been there but we are talking about more subtle things. It is becoming more detailed and rigorous and I adore that."
