Kevin Rolland: From the Dizzying Fall to the Aquatic Renaissance

On April 30, 2019, the freestyle skiing world held its breath. Kevin Rolland, half-pipe star and Olympic medalist, was in serious condition after a spectacular fall during a record attempt in La Plagne. Result: fractured pelvis, bruised ribs, punctured lung, and multiple hemorrhages. His prognosis was critical.

Eleven months later, after 45 days bedridden, the Savoyard returned to the slopes. His secret? An extraordinary rehabilitation, drawing strength from freediving, between Lake Annecy and the waters of Monaco. A discipline that became an unexpected ally, allowing him to reconnect with his body and mind. At the Beijing Winter Games, he took on a new challenge, strengthened by this rebirth.

Water, a Deep Affinity

After snow, is water like a second nature to you?

« Water has always been my element. I spent my childhood at Grau-du-Roi and the Balearic Islands, swimming and exploring the seabed. I never suspected it would save me one day. I was fascinated by The Big Blue, a film I watched dozens of times. Freediving seemed inaccessible, then it became an obvious choice. Before my accident, I practiced occasionally. After three months in the hospital, I needed to regain the feeling of being an athlete, to control my body without pain. The call of Lake Annecy was irresistible. »

Freediving, an Unexpected Rehabilitation

Freediving as rehabilitation, incredible idea, right?

« Unable to walk, swimming was my salvation, meters from my home, in Lake Annecy. Swimming 30 minutes in crawl, without legs, was a victory. The water brought me immense well-being, a mentally healing emptiness. I forgot the accident, I stayed active. The weightlessness freed me from my pain, my traumas. Lap after lap, I moved forward. My body followed. Gradually, I transformed into a freediver. Always accompanied, I took steps. My lung, punctured during the fall, responded positively. I even ended up strengthening it, to the medical staff’s surprise. »