Insights from Wembanyama's exclusive interview with Audrey Crespo-Mara
06/22/2024 04:09 PM
Wemby talked about his first season and, his ultimate goal of winning the 2024 Olympic gold.
By now, we know that Wembanyama doesn't often do one-on-one interviews. He's very selective about his time with the media. Therefore, when he does sit down with someone, it's always worth tuning in, especially for an exclusive interview with French journalist Audrey Crespo-Mara.
On Sunday, June 16th, Wemby spent just under 12 minutes chatting with Audrey. Given that this interview was in French, it brought an extra level of comfort for Vic, leading to some incredibly insightful revelations. Let's dive in.
Audrey began by asking him about his nickname, the "alien." The 20-year-old said he loved the nickname because it represents his goal of being different. He wants his life to be original, carving his own path. He added, "I hope the name suits me 100% one day," suggesting that what we've seen so far is just a glimpse of what's to come.
The conversation then turned to his family. Wemby shared interesting tidbits about his siblings. His sister Eve Wembanyama is on the reserve national French team, raising the possibility that two Wembanyamas might compete in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Regarding his parents, he mentioned their unwavering support and the freedom they provided him. At the age of 12 or 13, Victor realized that the NBA was a realistic dream, prompting him and his parents to sacrifice everything to achieve it. However, their support wasn't limited to basketball. He said, "If I chose a different career, like becoming an accountant, they would support me fully."
Being a famous tall person isn't always easy. Running the way he does takes a toll on his body, and Wemby admitted his back often hurts and his body tells him to stop running more than the average person. While some people enjoy strolling down the street to unwind, that's not an option for Wemby. Every time he walks, he faces reactions to his unique size. He mentioned that "it gets old" when people make jokes about his height.
The Frenchman isn't in the NBA for the glamorous lifestyle. He enjoys quiet evenings, getting lost in his favorite fiction books. The attention he receives in certain cities can be very intrusive. He recalled how intrusive New York was, mentioning he was once woken up in the middle of the night by a collector seeking his autograph. It's unclear if this happened in New York, but this kind of attention is challenging.
Fortunately, he landed in a city that respects his privacy. Wemby mentioned how special San Antonio is, noting that his relationships with fans and locals feel genuine. From his first year there, it's clear that the bond is real, helping him stay grounded.
The interview concluded with a look ahead to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Wemby expressed how special it is for him to play for France. Wearing the national colors, especially on home soil, is a source of pride. When asked about his goals for the Olympics, Vic quickly responded, "Win it all." His competitiveness is at its peak, and the rest of the world should be on notice - France is here to win.
