The second came when he realised the battle for an Olympic spot would be tough because only one kayaker from each country would go to Beijing and there were at least five strong Frenchmen chances.

Then in February last year, Lefevre hit rock bottom. He broke his wrist and was out of action for two months. "I was in hell," he said. While his rivals trained hard, Lefevre had to be content with running and bodybuilding sessions. He was ruled out of the world championships in September in Brazil where Sebastien Combot, another Frenchman, won the gold medal. "It was a blow to my pride. Somehow, his title put me back on track because I managed to turn my anger into a strategy," said Lefevre.

Mark of respect

The French selectors organised a winner-takes-all competition in March to pick the sole K-1 qualifier and Lefevre clinched the Beijing spot before the final race.

"In March, I beat the defending Olympic champion and the last two world champions to qualify for the Olympics. As a mark of respect for those who I have not been easy on, I can't say I'm going to Beijing just to be on the podium. I want to be Olympic champion. I owe them this."

Lefevre says he has learned from his mistakes in Athens. "In Athens, I paddled thinking what I would do with my gold medal. As a consequence, I ended up with a bronze medal.

"But if after my two world titles I had won an Olympic gold medal, what would I have become?

"Anyway, I would never have gained that technical mastery I now have. Now, I paddle more with my brains.

"I am now armed to instigate victory, not to just think of it. I am extremely serene and have an unwavering faith in myself."

(Shanghai Daily June 3, 2008)