Benoît Richaud: The Olympic Choreographer Juggling 16 Coaching Jobs Simultaneously

Germany - Ekhbary News Agency

Benoît Richaud: The Man Behind 16 Olympic Figure Skating Programs

In the high-stakes arena of the Winter Olympics, where precision, artistry, and athletic prowess collide, one figure stands out for his extraordinary dedication and multi-faceted role: French choreographer Benoît Richaud. While most coaches focus on a single athlete or team, Richaud is undertaking a monumental task, simultaneously guiding the performances of 16 skaters hailing from 13 different nations. This remarkable feat places him at the epicenter of the figure skating competition, making him one of the most sought-after and visibly diverse individuals at the Games.

Richaud, 38, has become a social media sensation for his rapid costume changes, often seen in viral videos donning different national team jackets – blue for one athlete, red for another. These quick changes are not mere theatrics; they are a vivid representation of the complex logistical ballet he performs daily. His presence is felt across a dozen programs, solidifying his status as arguably the busiest and most versatile coach on the Olympic ice.

His journey to this prominent position wasn't always on the coaching bench. Richaud previously competed as an ice dancer, ending his active career in 2009 in his early twenties without reaching the absolute elite. However, he found his true calling and a significant international reputation as a choreographer. His innovative programs, such as Ivett Tóth's routine set to AC/DC and Adam Siao Him Fa's Star Wars-themed free skate, have garnered widespread acclaim.

Among his notable protégés is Georgia's Nika Egadze. Working alongside Eteri Tutberidze, Richaud played a key role in Egadze's success as European Champion. While Egadze finished seventh at the Olympics, he notably placed ahead of the highly anticipated Ilia Malinin, showcasing the impact of Richaud's choreography and coaching.

The sheer scale of Richaud's involvement presents considerable logistical challenges. Traveling with and managing the needs of 16 skaters requires meticulous planning, particularly concerning the transportation and storage of numerous distinct costumes. He utilizes athlete lounges to keep his extensive wardrobe organized, a testament to his systematic approach.

While the organizational aspects can be managed, Richaud admits the emotional toll is significant. In a BBC podcast interview, he described the intense emotional balancing act required. He explained that it's easier to move on when an athlete performs well, but the real challenge arises when a skater experiences disappointment and needs comfort. Richaud finds himself in a difficult position, needing to offer support while simultaneously preparing for the next athlete waiting for his attention. Thankfully, he noted, these emotionally charged moments haven't often occurred back-to-back, which would make the situation exceedingly difficult.

The past Tuesday proved particularly demanding for the 38-year-old choreographer, as seven of his skaters competed in the men's short program. He served as head coach for four of them. Beyond Egadze, Richaud's expertise is trusted by other prominent skaters, including American Max Naumov, France's Siao Him Fa, and Canada's Stephen Gogolev.

Even Germany's medal hopefuls, Minerva Hase and Nikita Volodin, are under his tutelage, with their short program scheduled for Sunday and their free skate on Monday evening, leading to the medal decision. It's worth noting that coaches working with multiple skaters is not uncommon in figure skating; for instance, Belgium's Adam Siao Him Fa also coaches various successful athletes. However, Richaud's extensive roster sets a new benchmark for multitasking and dedication in the sport.

Benoît Richaud's story at these Olympics is one of remarkable versatility, demonstrating not only his technical and artistic skill but also his profound capacity for managing complex human dynamics under immense pressure. He is an unseen force, a pivotal figure shaping the narrative of figure skating one routine at a time.

Ekhbary News Agency