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The new face of the Collectivité's sports department since the start of the 2025 2026 school year, former swimmer Théo Estasse has taken up his duties alongside elected official David Blanchard, to steer sports activities and events on the island.He agreed to answer questions from Le Journal de Saint Barth.
JSB: Can you introduce yourself?
Théo Estasse: My name is Théo Estasse, 33 years old. I have a DEJEPS in swimming and a Master's degree in sports management. I joined the Sports Department of the Collectivité de Saint-Barthélemy last October.
My main tasks are: to support the island's sports associations, in conjunction with the Maison des Associations; to manage and monitor sports infrastructures; and to act as a liaison between sports associations and the Collectivité.
How are you getting on in the Sports Department?
My arrival is going very well. The handover to Magali Maxor, who is now in charge of the Maison des Associations, is going very well, and I'd like to thank her warmly for her help and support. I'm gradually finding my feet within the local authority and discovering how it works.
What are the major projects ahead for the Collectivité's sports and leisure department?
The Sports Department has launched a structured process to take stock of the current situation. Three priorities have been defined: to meet with sports associations in order to gather their needs and expectations; to carry out a survey of the population in order to gain a better understanding of sporting practices on the island; to evaluate existing facilities and identify any needs for renovation or creation.
This inventory will serve as a basis for defining the main lines of development for sport on the island and guiding elected officials in their local sports policy orientations. In fact, I work closely with the elected members of the Sports Commission on all decisions and projects.
Do you have a plan for the Collectivité's major sporting events in 2026?
For the moment, the local authority is helping associations to structure and organize their events. We've just completed the "Gustavialoppet", which saw record attendance. The Trophée des Sports, organized every two years, will return in winter 2026.
The dynamic of sports projects supported by the Collectivité de Saint-Barthélemy is taking shape. Several events are in the pipeline, but we'll have to wait a little longer and keep an eye out for the next official announcements.
As a member of Saint Barth Natation, do you have any particular plans to help swimmers and swimming on Saint Barth?
We organized the first Ouana Swim last June and we'll be doing it again next June. In addition, we're planning a series of bay-to-bay crossings, with the ambition of developing open-water swimming through regular events and, eventually, a championship. The club's momentum is building, with a competition group of over 20 youngsters, and more than 30 adults taking part in sessions to learn or improve their skills.
Saint-Barthélemy offers an exceptional setting for swimming in the sea. However, it's difficult to make technical progress in open water alone, which is why training in the pool remains essential to improve ease and performance when out at sea.
