At the age of 22, Thomas Assoignon** is already a rising star on the French hockey scene. A member of the national team and a player with the club Paris Jean Bouin, Thomas trains in an exceptional setting that combines sport and heritage: the hippodrome d'Auteuil.
"With my club, we train at the hippodrome d'Auteuil four times a week, plus the match on Sundays. It's a really privileged setting in Paris, just a few minutes from where I live," says Thomas.
The racecourse, famous for its horse races, is also a unique training ground for hockey players. "I have a lot of green space, so I take the Vélib' to go and train. It's a great way to recharge your batteries in green spaces while practising your sport in a great setting".
© Thomas Assoignon - Gueules de sport - Paris je t'aime
The view from the racecourse is spectacular, offering panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower, the Bois de Boulogne and even La Défense. "You can see the Eiffel Tower, the whole of the Bois de Boulogne and even La Défense. It's a really symbolic place in Paris," adds Thomas.
This proximity to the capital's iconic sites adds a special dimension to his training sessions, combining the appeal of nature with the richness of Paris's heritage.
"In practice, it doesn't get much media coverage in France, but precisely with the Olympic Games in Paris, it's really going to give a positive element to the discipline," Thomas explains optimistically.
© Thomas Assoignon - Gueules de sport - Paris je t'aime
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games represent an incredible opportunity for hockey and French athletes. "The fact that the Olympic Games are being held in Paris will really enable all the French athletes to excel even more so that they can shine in front of their people," says Thomas, underlining the importance of this event in promoting his sport.
