Alicia Aylies interview Dakar; Africa's first Olympic event

Alicia Aylies interview Dakar; Africa’s first Olympic event

‘Sport has given me structure, focus and a sense of fulfilment. And that helps with everything else in life’ – an interview with Alicia Aylies, Miss France 2017

She was just 18 years old when she was crowned Miss France in 2017. Visiting Dakar for the 100-day countdown to the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games, Alicia Aylies looks back on her career in sport, entrepreneurship and fashion.

Ten years after her victory, the French Guianese model, now based in Paris, is actively involved in entrepreneurship, women’s health, sport and fashion – a field she entered at a very young age. Interview.

Can you introduce yourself and tell us briefly about your connection with Senegal? What does it mean to you that the country will be hosting Africa’s first Olympic event in a few months ?

My name is Alicia Aylies and I think this is my third or fourth time in Senegal. It’s always a pleasure for me to visit, as I always discover a little more about the culture, the cities and the country’s history… And tonight I’m here to mark the 100-day countdown to the Youth Olympic Games, which will be held in Africa for the very first time – and, quite frankly, that’s a wonderful moment in history. Especially as Senegal places great emphasis on its young people and sport, so I look forward to seeing you all here in October to celebrate together and watch the fantastic performances the young athletes will deliver in competition.

Have you ever visited any other African countries? If so, which ones?

I’ve visited a few African countries, some of them several times, including Senegal, Congo-Brazzaville and Benin. I’ve also been to South Africa, Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt. I know I’m forgetting a few, but there are so many places to visit on the continent! I hope to visit Cameroon this year!

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What’s your relationship with sport?

Well, I’ve been involved in sport for as long as I can remember, as I started fencing at the age of four. I had to stop at 16 because I was sitting my A-levels at the same time, and it’s true that fencing is a relatively expensive sport, especially when you don’t live in mainland France. I wasn’t living in France at the time, but in French Guiana, so I had to pay for all the flights, equipment, competitions, accommodation… And it’s true that it all adds up to quite a bit. On top of that, with my A-levels to get through, I decided to take a break, and as life would have it, I became Miss France at the age of 18. So, it’s true that I put my fencing career on hold for a while, but I’m taking it up again when the new term starts, so I’m really looking forward to it because this sport is truly my passion.

That said, I’ve always been involved in the world of sport because of my job; I practise it every day. Sport is life – it helps you stay mentally healthy, feel good, let off steam and also be much more focused. And to achieve our fitness goals, of course!

How do you think sport can help young people flourish?

I think everyone sees sport in their own way; it’s true that, for me, it helps me clear my head, release dopamine, and set myself goals. I also work with my coach from time to time, to help me push beyond my limits, and I try to apply that to my life in general and to all my projects. Sport has also allowed me, from the age of four, to be supported, to find my family and to feel fulfilled. And that helps with everything else in life.

You were crowned Miss France at a very young age – what advice would you give to a young athlete on the verge of becoming a champion? What if their life were to change completely overnight, as it was your case ?

A bit of advice if their life were to change overnight is to listen to themselves, to look into their heart, their goals, and what they really want to experience - because, ultimately, that life is their own. The people around you are also incredibly important for staying focused at times when you might have moments of doubt. They help keep you grounded, reminding you why you’re working so hard today, where you want to be tomorrow, and how to get there.

How was leaving French Guiana to settle in Paris? What advice would you give on maintaining a good balance between your roots and an international career?

Honestly, when I had to move to France permanently, it was difficult – not just because of the climate and the food, but also because I was losing my bearings. Let’s be honest, it took a while to adjust, and I think that’s the case with a lot of things. My advice would really be to tell yourself that you’re living this life today because you’re working towards something, and that you have to go through certain stages to get there. So you have to stay focused. I know it’s not easy, but today we have the advantage of being able to travel regularly, or at least make video calls with our loved ones – that helps a lot compared to how things were a few years ago. So yes, take that time to adjust and don’t forget why you’re here today.