Benoît Campion | |
Sport: | Athletics |
Event: | 800 metres, 1500 metres, Cross-country |
Universityteam: | American International College |
Club: | Stade Brestois Athlétisme |
Turnedpro: | 2024 |
Nationality: | French |
National Team: | Équipe de France d'athlétisme |
Birth Date: | 12 February 1998 |
Birth Place: | Brest |
Country: | France |
Coach: | Éric Kerjean (2012-2013)Robert Cariou (2013-2018)Leo Mayo (2018-2020)Sébastien Gamel (2020...) |
Worlds: | World Champion at FISU Games |
Benoît Campion (born 12 February 1998) is a French track and field athlete, sponsored by New Balance[1] and member of the Stade Brestois Athlétisme[2]
He was the flag bearer at opening ceremony and he won a gold medal in the 1500 metres at the 2021 Summer World University Games.[3]
Benoît was born in Brest, Britanny, on the 12th February 1998.
Before he started track and field, he used to play football for the Stade Brestois 29.
After winning some cross-country races at school, he decided to stop playing football and started athletics in 2012.
He joined the Stade Brestois Athlétisme and started doing middle distance races.
Benoît showed very quickly his talent for running by winning some cross-country races[4] and doing great performances on the track.
He ran a 2'56''6 on his first 1000m.[5]
He improves his personal bests years after years, showing his talent mainly on 800m and 1500m.
In the same time, he studies medicine at Brest University (UBO).[6]
After 2 years of studying medicine, he decides to focus on track and field and goes to the United Stades, becoming a student athlete at American International College.[7]
By increasing his volume of training, he makes a lot of progress and quickly become one of the best middle distance runner of the University. He manages to run 3'43 on 1500m that places him among the best french athletes.
COVID-19 forces him to come back to France earlier, and prevents him from competing in the US. He participates to his first "Championnat de France Élite" in September.
He joins the training group coached by Sébastien Gamel in Toulouse.
Tricky season where Benoit struggles to beat his personal best due to some injuries. However, he doesn't give up.
He improves a lot his level, smashing his PBs, winning a bronze medal on 1500m at French Indoor Championships and becomes FISU World Champion[8] on the 1500m.
In January 2024, Benoit turns professional by signing a 4-year contract with New Balance[9] and wins a new bronze medal at French Indoor Championships on the 1500m race.