BRUNSWICK, Maine – Bowdoin's
Alex Grand'Pierre will open competition at the 2024 Paris Olympic games on Saturday, July 27th at the Paris Aquatics Centre. Grand'Pierre, who is representing Haiti, will compete in the 100-meter breaststroke heats in the morning session on Saturday (11 a.m. Paris time/5 a.m. Eastern).
The third member of his family to compete in the Olympic Games (including sister Emilie '23), Grand'Pierre is a multi-time
New England Small College Athletic Conference champion, an NCAA Division III All-American, and a Haitian record holder.
When he hits the pool in Paris, he will join an
exclusive list of Polar Bear Olympians, becoming the fifth Summer Olympian in school history and ninth Olympian overall.
Before he traveled to Paris, we caught up with Alex for a quick Q&A.
For those who don't know, tell us how you are eligible to swim for Haiti and about the "Grand'Pierre" tradition of swimming for your family's home country? How does it feel to represent Haiti in the Olympics?
My parents are from Haiti, which allowed me to gain Haitian citizenship. Joining the Haitian National Team became a possibility after my oldest sister, Naomy, competed as the first female swimmer for Haiti at the 2016 Rio Olympics. I joined the Haitian National team officially in 2019 and have been competing under the Haitian flag ever since. Representing Haiti in these upcoming Olympics is the culmination of a five-year journey during which I've attended multiple competitions, trained nonstop, and tackled whatever challenges arose along the way. Competing at such a high caliber instilled a sense of pride and excitement, representing an entire country that has dealt with many hardships throughout the years. Knowing that my efforts in and out of the pool inspire a younger generation of Haitians to reach their goals gives me a sense of purpose. I'm truly blessed to have an opportunity to positively represent Haiti at the biggest athletic stage in the world, and I plan to cherish every moment of it.
When did Paris 2024 become a goal for you, and how did your time at Bowdoin, particularly with the swimming program, prepare you for the Olympic qualification process?
The Olympics have always been in the back of my mind since my older sister Emilie competed in 2020; however, I always chose to focus on the next upcoming race rather than worry about whether I'd make the Haitian National team. After an international meet in Doha, Qatar, where I finished a few seconds shy of the Olympic qualifying standard, it was clear that my Olympic dream could be a reality. Once the 2023-2024 Bowdoin Swim season ended, I sat down with Coach Brad [Burnham] and devised a training strategy for how I would make the Olympic Team. Our goal was to prepare for the June CCCAN [Central American and Caribbean] Games in Monterrey, Mexico where I would need to solidify my standing as the top male athlete for the Haitian National Swim Team. After months of practice that continually pushed me to my limits, my first-place finish in the CCCAN Games secured my position as the top male athlete and punched my ticket to the Olympics.
The days leading up to CCCAN allowed me to realize the incredible support system surrounding me. I want to acknowledge my teammates swimming during the off-season, my friends driving me to the airport to allow me to participate in international competitions, the Brunswick lap swimmers cheering me on early in the morning, my classmates wishing me luck, my club coach sending me words of encouragement every Wednesday, I could go on and on. I couldn't imagine where I would be without them.
It's already been a busy summer for you – how have you been able to balance your internship in New York with training?
I am currently interning at the U.S. State Department's Mission to the United Nations, which began on May 20th and ends on July 24th. Juggling training and an internship have proved to be a unique opportunity that tests my time management and commitment to the sport. My schedule starts with work from 8:15 AM to 5:00 PM; I return to my apartment for my swim equipment, then I walk to NYU and train for two hours; I return to my apartment and make dinner, rinse, and repeat. After 18 years of juggling swimming, school, hobbies, and family, I've gotten used to keeping my days busy. Whenever I think of slowing down, I remind myself of the country I represent and its history of perseverance and collective fortitude. I must be well equipped to show the world what Haiti means to me, and proudly embracing my role comes with daily decisions and sacrifices.
You've competed on the international stage before, but what part of the Olympic experience are you most looking forward to?
I have competed at international events, but the Olympics is a unique opportunity. So many athletes worldwide dream of competing one day at the Olympics, giving it a universal sense of excitement and pride that cannot be understated. The Olympics represent a swimmer's highest level of competition, and the thought of competing in this environment makes me a little anxious, but in a good way. I love competing in such intense and competitive environments, and being able to do so alongside the best athletes worldwide is truly incredible. I am most looking forward to the atmosphere around the Paris Olympic arena.
Finally, have your older sisters given you any tips/advice from their Olympics experiences?
Naomy and Emilie have shared their experiences regarding what to expect, and how to prepare, but each journey is unique. I've personally asked for tips on remaining focused and consistent regardless of external factors, which is something many of my family members can speak on. I've received critical advice from my sister, Audree, on developing a mental and physical routine that can follow me wherever I am. Whether it be nutrition, finding a pool, dealing with doubts, or whatever may arise during the training process, my entire family has provided me with unique perspectives to overcome the various challenges that arise. I couldn't have made it without their support, so it's important to mention every one of my siblings, including my younger brother, Raphael, who has been my training partner for years. While I will ultimately swim my race alone, I am confident I can rely on the knowledge and experience of my siblings to help me, which is a priceless asset.
