{"id":342875,"date":"2026-03-17T11:35:56","date_gmt":"2026-03-17T09:35:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.monaco-tribune.com\/2026\/03\/princess-charlene-of-monaco-opens-up-on-how-sport-shaped-her-life\/"},"modified":"2026-03-17T11:36:00","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T09:36:00","slug":"princess-charlene-of-monaco-opens-up-on-how-sport-shaped-her-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.monaco-tribune.com\/en\/2026\/03\/princess-charlene-of-monaco-opens-up-on-how-sport-shaped-her-life\/","title":{"rendered":"Princess Charlene of Monaco opens up on how sport shaped her life"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In a lengthy interview held in Paris, Princess Charlene recounted her career as a top-level athlete and offered a behind-the-scenes look at a life shaped by sport.<\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n\n

It was at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, alongside her father, that Princess Charlene grew up to the rhythm of the Springboks. In an interview published on Sunday 15 March by L\u2019\u00c9quipe, she confides that rugby is much more than just a sport to her: \u201cIn South Africa, where I grew up, this sport is a religion in the sense that it brings people together.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u00a9 Communications Department<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

The 1995 World Cup, won by the Springboks under the watchful eye of Nelson Mandela, remains a defining moment for her: \u201cThe 1995 victory worked a miracle.\u201d A conviction that led her, on Friday evening in Paris, to attend the solidarity gala organised by Provale<\/a>, the union for professional rugby players, whose cause she actively supports: \u201cLife after a career is a difficult time for many players who struggle to re-enter the world of work. This association does remarkable work in supporting players after their careers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n

Becoming an Olympian<\/b><\/h2><\/h2>\n\n

Before becoming Princess of Monaco, Charlene Wittstock was a top-level swimmer, specialising in the backstroke. She describes in detail the relentless daily routine she endured: \u201cWe\u2019d get up at four o\u2019clock. By five in the morning, I was in the water.\u201d Commutes, twice-daily training sessions, homework in the evenings \u2013 a routine repeated six days a week, right up until the Sydney Olympics in 2000. But she also speaks of a deep wound: her failure to qualify for Athens in 2004, following a change in criteria decided by the South African federation. \u201cFour years of work gone in an instant, when it was supposed to be the pinnacle of my career,\u201d she confides, adding modestly: \u201cThe sun still shines, but the scar remains.\u201d \u201d<\/p>\n

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Princess Charlene organised drowning prevention workshops with her foundation in April 2023 \u00a9 Eric Mathon\/Princely Palace<\/i><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Princess Charlene celebrates respect and rugby at Coll\u00e8ge Charles III<\/a><\/blockquote>