My passion is to unite people, particularly young students. I think that it’s possible to create links through sport, uniting everyone concerned – near and far – through this means, whether sportspeople or not. It enables people to meet and speak the same language, to understand each other: this empathy is the beginning of dialogue for peace.

After winning his Olympic title, convinced of the power of athletes to influence young people, he set up his foundation called ‘Classroom Champions’ which puts athletes from around the world in contact with American schoolchildren.