Are you interested to learn some fun facts about Coline Devillard?
France has a history of producing talented gymnasts who have achieved success on both the national and international levels. French gymnasts have participated in various Olympic Games and World Championships, contributing to the popularity and recognition of gymnastics in the country.
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Additionally, gymnastics clubs and training facilities are available across France, catering to individuals of different ages and skill levels who want to engage in the sport. This accessibility further contributes to the sport’s popularity and presence in French culture.
One of France’s most successful gymnasts is Coline Devillard. She was born on October 9, 2000, in Saint Vallier, France. From this small village in southeastern France’s Drôme department, Devillard went on to create a major impact in the world of women’s artistic gymnastics.
Despite her relatively small stature, standing at 1.48 meters (4 feet 10 inches) tall, she has shown exceptional prowess in her chose discipline.
Her talent and hard work have pushed her to the level of Senior International Elite and has proudly represented France on the national team since 2013.
Her training grounds have been at Meaux Gymnastique, with coaching guidance from notable figures such as Nellu Pop, Martine Georges, and Alizée Dal Santo.
Her routines come to life through the artistic choreography provided by Grégory Milan, whose expertise has contributed to her growth and success.
Read on to learn more fun facts about Coline Devillard.
Things you'll find in this article
- 11 Fun Facts About Coline Devillard
- 1. Her father was also a gymnast – and his background kind of rubbed off on her
- 2. Thomas Bouhail is her hero and idol
- 3. Coline Devillard’s international debut was in 2012
- 4. Her most unforgettable sporting achievement happened in 2017
- 5. She’s had her share of injuries
- 6. Coline Devillard is the first French gymnast to ever win the European Vault Championships
- 7. Two years later, she achieved even more!
- 8. She was not selected for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020
- 9. Coline Devillard trains 30 hours per week
- 10. In her spare time, Devillard likes to go shopping
11 Fun Facts About Coline Devillard
1. Her father was also a gymnast – and his background kind of rubbed off on her
Coline Devillard’s dad was actually a gymnast, just like her. His experience and knowledge became a source of inspiration, driving Coline to explore the various facets of gymnastics with dedication and determination.
She started doing gymnastics when she was three years old in Digoin, France. Her parents signed her up for baby gym classes. She loved it so much that she wanted to keep going.
Her dad’s experience as a gymnast really influenced her and sparked her interest in this thrilling adventure!
2. Thomas Bouhail is her hero and idol
Fellow French artistic gymnast Thomas Bouhail is someone Coline Devillard looks up to as her hero and idol. She admires his skills and achievements in the world of gymnastics.
Back in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Thomas Bouhail rocked the vault and won a silver medal.
However, in December 2011, just a little while before the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, things took a tough turn. During a training session, Bouhail had a bad fall and ended up fracturing his tibia and fibula.
That unfortunate accident brought his gymnastics career to an end. These days, he’s a trainer, passing on his know-how to the next generation of gymnasts.
3. Coline Devillard’s international debut was in 2012
Devillard made her first appearance on the international stage during the 2012 Élite Gym Massilia competition. During this event, she competed with her team and secured a 6th-place position.
Additionally, she participated in the all-around category and came in the 15th-place ranking. This was the start of Devillard’s journey in international gymnastics, where she got to display her skills and determination to a bigger crowd.
4. Her most unforgettable sporting achievement happened in 2017
A defining point in Coline Devillard’s sports journey was her remarkable victory at the 2017 European Championships, which took place in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. During this event, she captured the prestigious gold medal in the vault discipline, showcasing her exceptional skills and dedication as a gymnast.
This incredible achievement marked a significant highlight in her journey as a gymnast, symbolizing a pivotal milestone that truly stands out.
In 2016, she faced a growth anomaly in her ankle known as osteochondritis, which affected her performances on the gymnastics floor.
Additionally, due to a tibia stress fracture, she had to take a break from competing for two months, which unfortunately included missing the 2017 French Championships.
Continuing with her string of injuries, she encountered a bone and ligament injury in her right ankle during a training session in September 2018. This injury prevented her from participating in the 2018 World Championships held in Doha, Qatar.
The streak of bad luck continued in September 2019 when she hurt her ankle during training.
As a result, she had to step back from the French team’s lineup for the 2019 World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany.
In 2022, she faced yet another setback, as she suffered a thumb fracture and an ankle injury.
These challenges have undoubtedly tested her resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
6. Coline Devillard is the first French gymnast to ever win the European Vault Championships
In 2017, Coline Devillard has made history by becoming France’s very first European Vault Champion, winning over Great Britain’s Elissa Downie and Boglarka Devai of Hungary.
This victory is an amazing achievement that Devillard can be incredibly proud. It stands as a major milestone for the world of gymnastics in France.
7. Two years later, she achieved even more!
Fast forward two years, she achieved even more by securing a silver medal.
She was also a crucial member of the French team that clinched the silver at the European Championships the previous year. This amazing feat marked France’s best-ever finish as a team in the European Championships.
8. She was not selected for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020
Although Coline Devillard faced disappointment when she wasn’t chosen for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, her determination knows no bounds. Her gaze is now fixed on an even more remarkable objective: the 2024 Olympic Games, set to take place in Paris.
In this compelling turn of events, Coline has risen to become one of the standout and eagerly anticipated athletes slated to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics.
It serves is a testament to her unwavering commitment and the inspiring way she has rebounded from setbacks!
9. Coline Devillard trains 30 hours per week
Coline Devillard spends 30 hours every week practicing at INSEP, or the National Institute for Sport, Expertise, and Performance, located in Paris, France. This dedicated training helps her excel in her chosen sport!
10. In her spare time, Devillard likes to go shopping
Aside from her rigorous 30-hour weekly training regimen and the hours dedicated to competing, Coline Devillard finds joy in indulging in a hobby during her free time – shopping.
This leisure activity provides her with a well-deserved break from her intense training schedule and allows her to unwind and engage in something she enjoys. Just as in her sports career, she approaches shopping with enthusiasm, seeking out items that resonate with her tastes and preferences.
11. When she’s done competing in gymnastics, Collins Devillard wants to be a gymnastics coach
Once her competitive gymnastics career comes to an end, Coline Devillard aspires to change into the role of a gymnastics coach.
With a passion for the sport and a treasure trove of experience as a gymnast herself, Devillard envisions a future where she can share her expertise, guide young athletes, and contribute to the development of future gymnastic talents.
This desire to become a coach only shows her commitment to giving back to the sport that has been a huge part of her life.
Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.