The numbers speak for themselves: 364 km, 237 locks and 13 days on the water by kayak to connect Nantes (Loire-Atlantique) to Brest (Finistère). Léa Jamelot, a kayaker with an international career, who cut her teeth at her native Pleyben Nautical Club (Finistère), then at Pôle France in Rennes, at INSEP in Paris and finally in Toulouse – while still holding a license at the Quimper Cornouaille Canoe-Kayak Club, has just completed this very personal challenge. An extraordinary adventure, human and sporting at the same time.
Moving forward after not being selected for the Paris Olympics
“After the Rio Olympics in 2016 and then the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, I thought I would be selected for the Paris Olympics in 2024… and ultimately I wasn’t,” said the champion. I see myself ending my career there. It was a big disappointment… But that’s how this Nantes to Brest canal adventure was born.” The young woman not only wants to “think about what happens next”, but also wants to rediscover the region, and “better enhance its extraordinary natural heritage”.
“And also highlight Argoat, the Breton region, which we often forget in favor of the coast,” he continued. Also meet those who live on the canal. Tell them that you can have an Olympic career, even if you come from a remote town in the center of Brittany! “. So, in fifteen days (including two rest days), Léa covered a distance of 364 km on the river, which is often complicated to navigate, with fantastic views.
A 55-minute film retraces his exploits
To complete his vision, his videographer uncle Henry Marquis, as well as two other directors, Gilles Blaize and Erwan Bizeul, filmed the entire experience. The Brittany region, departments, city communities and large Breton associations also followed him in this adventure.
The result is an extraordinary video available on his website and a 55-minute film that will be screened this Thursday, November 13, at 8 pm, with his team and himself, at the Les Studios cinema in Brest. Exchanges with the public are also planned. Breton’s tour will continue until next Tuesday.
For now, the adventurer, who is planning another film on France 3 Brittany questioning his “after” trip (late 2025), is focusing on this last great kayaking adventure. “I call this experience close the circle. JI found a kayak in the canal, and I’ve always paddled in one, but I’ve never done the entire route. This is the best moment to complete this challenge and can show that we always have a different perspective on water. »
