Benoit Richaud captivates at Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics
Benoit Richaud has become an unexpected sensation at the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, capturing social media attention with his rapid-fire wardrobe transformations, reports BritPanorama.
The 38-year-old Frenchman, a prominent figure in figure skating coaching, has drawn significant attention for his habit of swapping jackets every few minutes during the competition. His reasoning is simple yet endearing: Richaud trains an impressive 16 skaters representing 13 different countries, donning each nation’s official jacket whenever one of his athletes takes to the ice.
Viewers have affectionately dubbed him the “jacket guy,” as videos showcasing his constant costume changes circulate widely online. Richaud, a former junior figure skater from France, transitioned to coaching after his competitive career halted, and he has celebrated significant success at these Games.
His roster extends across various continents, with athletes hailing from Europe, North America, and Asia. Richaud’s extraordinary international portfolio includes competitors from Germany, Georgia, Switzerland, Italy, Bulgaria, Estonia, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, and China. This diverse group necessitates that he cycles through 13 distinct national jackets during competitions, often switching at a rapid pace as his athletes prepare for their performances.
Managing this logistical challenge requires meticulous planning and collaboration with Olympic officials. Richaud explained in an interview: “It’s an organisation, it’s going to be fast. I usually put everything in the dressing room of the skater.” He acknowledged that storing his collection of national outerwear typically falls outside standard protocol but has received cooperation from officials during the Games.
“Usually, I’m not allowed. But they let me put some stuff in there. They are very friendly,” Richaud said. When dressing room storage proves challenging, he relies on the support of team leaders or national team managers to manage the jackets.
Supporting so many competitors has required Richaud to develop his emotional coping mechanisms. He shared with The Athletic: “As soon as they step on the ice, I know they’re going to make something magical and boom, I’m in their world already.” Watching his skaters perform allows him to rapidly switch emotional focus, although he admitted that managing these intense feelings can be complex. “A few years ago, I wasn’t used to this many conflicting emotions. I’d have a big moment and then go take a shower and start to cry without any reason,” he recalled, noting how he has since learned to handle such powerful experiences more adeptly.
This multifaceted approach to competition not only reflects Richaud’s dedication to his athletes but also highlights the unique charm and intricacies present at the Winter Olympics — a vivid reminder of how the personal often interweaves with the competitive.
