This weekend, UniLaSalle Beauvais student Matthieu Brembilla shone at the French University Championships of atheltics, coming in 4^th place in the 400 meters. A remarkable performance, coupled with a new personal best, which perfectly illustrates the ability of Lasallian students to reconcile academic and sporting excellence.

Qualification on the wire... but a record in the heats

Matthieu kicked off his weekend of competition in capricious weather conditions. The wind blew hard in the Saturday heats, making the race particularly demanding. Despite this, he managed to qualify in extremis for the A final, already setting a new personal best.

An express comeback in a tough final

On Sunday, in a field of the top 7 French university sprinters, Matthieu started in lane 1. His strategy: conserve energy to finish strong. And it paid off. Over the final 150 meters, he made a spectacular comeback, crossing the line in 48''68, pulverizing his time again, and placing 4^th just 7 hundredths off the podium.

"It came down to very little... only 7 hundredths. But I'm extremely proud to have been able to run this way and, above all, to represent my school at this level," Matthieu points out.

UniLaSalle: a showcase for academic and sporting talent

This result illustrates a strong dynamic at UniLaSalle: enabling students to develop their sporting passions while pursuing a demanding curriculum. Thanks to a flexible organization, local support and adapted facilities, it is possible to perform on the track... as well as in the lecture halls.

"This race is the culmination of many hours of training, alongside my studies. It's a real challenge at times, but at UniLaSalle, I've found a balance."

Matthieu is now a member of the national top 15 in the 400 m, a nice surprise and a just reward for his commitment, rigor and determination.