Benoît Richaud: The Man Behind the Medals and the Many Jackets

If you’ve been following the Winter Olympics, you’ve undoubtedly noticed him – the tall, slender, bald man offering support to athletes immediately after their performances. That’s Benoît Richaud, and he’s become a familiar face in Milan, working as the choreographer for an impressive 16 competitors – 12 single skaters and four pairs – representing 13 different countries.

A Choreographer for the World

What’s truly remarkable is Richaud’s ability to work with skaters from so many nations. There’s no rule preventing coaches from collaborating with multiple athletes, and Richaud embraces this, proudly displaying his support through a rotating collection of national team jackets. He estimates owning around 10, strategically cycling through them depending on who’s competing.

“I just come with all of (the jackets) and then I make quick changes,” Richaud explained to NBC News. “The people from the federation or team leaders help me, and we make quick changes. Sometimes it’s quite slow, sometimes it’s quite crazy when it’s one after the other.” Imagine the speed required to switch from a Mexico top for Donovan Carrillo to one for Japan’s Kao Miura, then swiftly changing into gear for Georgia’s Nika Egadze before donning the red, white, and blue for American Maxim Naumov!

More Than Just Jackets: Celebrating National Pride

For Richaud, the jacket changes aren’t just a logistical challenge; they’re a deliberate choice. “I know some coaches want to wear normal clothes. But I think the Olympic Games is a special moment where you also need to cherish the difference of people,” he says. “I think it’s something beautiful. Every different country has different cultures. When I go on the screen, I want to promote that.”

From Zero Clients to Olympic Fame

Richaud’s success story is particularly inspiring. A former competitive figure skater from Lyon, France, he faced significant hurdles early in his coaching career. After transitioning to coaching in 2013, he recalls a meager start: just one 25-minute session in his first week, and a similar pattern for the following four weeks. He wasn’t immediately sought after by elite athletes.

“I didn’t start with high-level skaters because I was a nobody,” he admits. His initial clients were far from Olympians – he even taught skating to seniors, starting with a grandmother! He gradually gained recognition through his work with Latvian skater Deniss Vasiļjevs, and word-of-mouth propelled his career forward.

A Fearless Approach to Choreography

Over the past decade, Richaud has become one of the most in-demand choreographers in the world. He attributes his rapid rise to a unique mindset. “I’m not scared. I’m not scared at all,” he declares. “It means that I do whatever I want, and I never try to please judges or people. If we want to do a crazy idea, we do it. I always find a way to make things happen.”

He aims to push the boundaries of the sport, changing styles and challenging conventional thinking. He wants to make figure skating more accessible and engaging, even for those unfamiliar with the sport – like his late father. “I lost my dad, and I always think about making him fall in love with skating,” he shares. “Nobody cares about skating where I live, and I always think about those people.”

Supporting Athletes Through Triumph and Tragedy

Richaud’s impact extends beyond choreography. He provides crucial emotional support to his skaters, particularly during moments of immense pressure. He’ll be with Maxim Naumov, who tragically lost his parents in a plane crash last year, both before and after his performance, offering encouragement in the ‘kiss and cry’ area.

Naumov’s journey to the Olympic final is a testament to his resilience, and Richaud is deeply moved by it. “He wanted to leave the sport, and now he’s making his dream come true, which was also the dream of his parents,” Richaud says. “There’s something very unique about him. And knowing that he struggled so much, and to be able to do that, I think it’s just pure respect.”

As Benoît Richaud continues to support his five skaters with medal aspirations on Friday night, one thing is certain: he’s not just a choreographer; he’s a symbol of national pride, unwavering support, and a fearless spirit that’s captivating the world of figure skating.

Source: NBC News