In 2008, diver Marie-Ève Marleau finished seventh at the Beijing Olympics. Fifteen years later, the Quebecer is sports manager (diving and high-flying diving) within the World Aquatics organization.
Almost two years ago, when his future bosses asked some national federations for candidate ideas, only one name came out: Marie-Ève Marleau. “It’s so flattering,” she exclaims.
By accepting the mandate, she knew that she was joining an organization in full transition. “If I had been offered to work at FINA before, I surely wouldn’t have accepted. I was told it was a bit unhealthy. After a major cleaning, it was a good time to work on it. »
She is now in charge of the elite competitive component, technical committees, officials, regulations and competition circuit strategy.
Previously, in addition to the Olympic Games every four years and the World Aquatic Sports Championships every two years, divers had access to the World Series (reserved for the best eight per event) and the Grand Prix.
“The top 8 athletes weren’t competing in Grands Prix anymore,” she said. So the host countries had less opportunity to announce that the best were coming to town to compete, there was no exchange between the next generation and the best, and the schedule was very tight. »
The pandemic has also slashed the budgets of several countries. “We had difficulty finding hosts. The strategy had to be completely revised. »
At the moment, World Aquatics is hosting two World Cup stops that allow athletes to qualify for the Super Final, as well as four or five other events. Not to mention the continental competitions such as the Pan American Games, the Olympic Games and the World Championships, which are currently held every year before returning to their former frequency.
At the same time, the manager participates in the development of high-flying diving, well known here thanks to the Red Bull circuit, the exceptional Quebec diver Lysanne Richard and the Olympic Stadium training center. “We work with them to make our schedules complement each other. »
His organization wants to add two World Cups per year and integrate the discipline into the Olympic Games. “It’s super interesting to see how you push a sport politically and financially. »
Marie-Ève Marleau has her work cut out for her. And many points accumulated with its travel loyalty program. “Between April and August 2023, I spent one week in China, one in Montreal, one in Berlin, one in Fort Lauderdale and three in Japan. It is enormous ! »
In addition to discovering the world, she reconnects with the world of diving. “It feels so good to me!” The diving family is, in my opinion, the most tight-knit of water sports. When I took office, they welcomed me with open arms! It brought back old memories and I feel part of the group. »
When it is pointed out to her that she is the most senior of the group, she reacts with an embarrassed laugh. “I am surrounded by much better experts than me, but as far as the international federation is concerned, it is true. »
She therefore has decision-making power over those she has worked with for years. “At the beginning, I felt pressure to perform, because these are people who know me and who I want to please. The ideal is to have an emotional detachment with your work, but this is impossible in this sport. »
The Olympian was predestined to work in the highest levels of sport. After retiring from competition in 2008, Marleau completed a bachelor’s degree in marketing, worked for Diving Canada and volunteered for the Canadian Olympic Committee during the 2010 Vancouver Games.
Then, she worked in public relations with Marie-Annick L’Allier, before receiving an offer from the Canadian Olympic Committee. “After the Vancouver Games, the demand for sponsors was growing, so we created an athlete marketing department. We needed someone who understands both worlds. I did that from 2013 to 2019.”
In April 2019, a presentation at the Forum des Olympians in Lausanne drew attention to her. “A month later, the International Olympic Committee contacted me to offer me a position. I was ready for a change, I had no ties to Montreal and I accepted. »
Direction Lausanne to take care of the events and communications of the World Olympians Association. Five months after his move, the pandemic completely disrupted his professional adventure, but it also allowed him to discover Switzerland and make friends with expatriates. “That’s the magic of the CIO: in the office and elsewhere in town, there are 22 cultures around you. It’s super rewarding! I have friends from Switzerland, Russia and Japan, and COVID has brought us closer. »
She also bought a motor home to explore the mountains. “In Switzerland, people are always outdoors and everyone is in good shape. I really like the version of who I am here. »
An ideal state to invest at least a few years in the overhaul of the sport that has seen her grow.
