Interview with Eugene Martineau

Why and when did you start decathlon? Were there any athletes that inspired you to do so?
I started decathlon in 1998 serious. before that i did athletics on a lower level. In that time the decathlon was in the Netherlands on a good level

What are your expectations for the next season?
For next season I hope for a personal best (8200) to qualify for the European championships and score well there

Which ones do you think are the most challenging disciplines in a decathlon, which require most practice?
I think for me is Pole vault hurdles the most challenge disciplines and needs the most practice

Which disciplines do you personally prefer, which ones do you dislike?
I prefer Pole vault, javelin and high jump. Dislike shotput discus and hurdles because that's my worst disciplines

How much time do you spend practicing a week?
In a week I train 10 times…it's like 24 hours in a week

Is it very hard to combine decathlon practice with a regular job or studying?
Yes it's very hard because you have to train a lot and need rest to…

Do you think that Sebrle's 9026 points will be beaten in nearer future (if yes: by whom?)?
Yes it's gonna be beaten in the future I think…by Bryan Clay

How would you inspire young athletes to start doing decathlon?
At young age in Holland the children already do much disciplines…so they grow up to do much disciplines and if they like it…they have to go on.

What advice would you give to a young athlete?
Believe in yourself and you will achieve thinks

Do you think there are enough young athletes to replace successful athletes (like Nool or Dvorak)?
Yes…we have much talent in the world

How would you describe the "perfect decathlete"? Does he exist?
The perfect athlete now is Roman Sebrle

Is there a big risk of injury during a decathlon competition? Were you ever injured seriously?
Always a risk to get injured…we have to do ten disciplines and we have to stay focused and warm for two days. I had serious injury with my shoulder and ankle

Do you think that the atmosphere between decathletes differs from the atmosphere between other athletes, because they spend more time together during a competition?
Yes…

Who would you call the best decathlete of all time and why?
Roman Sebrle because he's from my generation and has got the world record

Did you ever experience an accident like no measure in long jump or something similar in a competition?
Yes like in the Olympics they fault my jump and I think it was good. And I broke my pole at the Olympics

What are you planning to do when you’re too old to do decathlon?
When I'm too old for decathlon I hope to life a normal life like all people

Are you taking part in indoor heptathlon competitions? What’s your opinion on heptathlon compared with decathlon?
Yes I'm going to do the dutch championchips and a county meeting in Prague. I like the decathlon more because the heptathlon is too easy…