Pays d’Aix Natation, a model of collective performance

On the occasion of the upcoming World Cup stage, we met with Colomba Fourton Bellini, President of the finswimming section of Pays d'Aix Natation since last year.

Pays d'Aix Natation embodies the strength of collective performance, a high-performance environment, and a World Cup event as a showcase. It is a key club, both in athlete development and performance, on the national and international stage.

What is the DNA of Pays d'Aix Natation?

"The club has been around for about thirty years. It was initially coached by Éric Graille, then by Oleg Pudov, who stepped down in 2018. Today, the team is coached by Cyril Aoubid.

We are a major club in the Aix region, with nearly 2,000 members. Above all, we bring together several disciplines: finswimming, water polo, artistic swimming, competitive swimming, and a swim school.

Each section offers both recreational practice and access to high-level performance. This diversity creates real momentum, embedding in the club's DNA both performance and the ambition to guide our young athletes toward the highest level."

The strength of the collective : the team has an impressive track record. How do you explain this success?

"Our strength lies above all in the collective. We have a constant commitment to developing young athletes, who progress step by step—from local level to international level.

This structured approach allows us to perform consistently over time." The club's achievements speak for themselves:

• Club World Champions in 2024 and 2025
• French Club Champions for four consecutive seasons
• Numerous French records, particularly in the 4x100 relays (men, women, and junior women), as well as individual events

Each season, around ten swimmers from the club are selected for the French national teams, at junior and senior levels.

Rising talents : can you name a few athletes who represent this dynamic?

"We currently have several high-performing swimmers, such as Maiwenn Hamon, Kalliste Fourton Bellini, and Colas Zugmeyer, who joined the club six years ago. We also have promising young talents, like Anthelme Robisson, who perfectly represents this new generation."

What enables the club to maintain this level of excellence?

"We are fortunate to be supported by the federation, particularly thanks to the presence of a national training center (Pôle France) within our structure. This plays a key role in supporting our athletes on their path to the highest level."

You are organizing a World Cup stage. What does this event represent for the club?

"It is a great source of pride. This will be the fourth edition, and the first for me as President.

We have a very dedicated organising team, and our swimmers are also involved in the preparation. The atmosphere is very positive, and everyone is working together to make the event a success. We hope to live up to the standards of previous editions."