Victor Crouin: From Summer Camps to Olympic Dreams, Powered by Passion and Smart Play

French squash star and Open Squash Ambassador Victor Crouin joined us via Zoom recently from his training base in France to chat squash. From nurturing young talent at Open Squash’s summer camps this year to discussing his recent victory at the German Open, strategizing for Olympic glory and refining his online presence, Crouin’s sharp tactical mind is always a delight to be around. 

Inspiring the Next (and Current) Generation of Squash Players at Open Squash Summer Camps

Crouin is gearing up to share his expertise with aspiring squash players at Open Squash in New York City. He’s enthusiastic about connecting with players of all levels, starting with a one-day adult clinic on June 22^nd (book here!). He appreciates the growing trend of proximity between professional athletes and fans. He believes that professional players can offer unique insights that complement traditional coaching, sharing “some of the tips that coaches might not have because they don't have that experience of playing professionally.” While acknowledging that coaches are the experts in their field, Crouin emphasizes the value of a player’s perspective on the nuances of the professional game.

Following the adult clinic, Crouin will be running a junior camp from June 23rd to 27^th (book here!), at Open Squash FiDi. His approach to coaching children goes beyond just squash techniques: “With kids you're more trying to instill some values. It's just how to be a good human being first and foremost,” he said, emphasizing the importance of punctuality, kindness, and teamwork. Beyond character-building, Crouin aims to instill a sense of what it takes to train and compete professionally. He is particularly keen to work with determined players who aspire to play college squash. “Every year I'm trying to work with kids that are really willing to learn about what it is like to play at a professional level or even a college level… to teach them how to take care of their body, how to warm up well, how to get ready and how to perform in competition so that they can get to a certain level and then get recruited for college,” he said. This focus on development and guidance reflects Crouin’s commitment to nurturing the future of squash.

Triumph at the German Open: A Testament to Dedicated Training

The conversation naturally turned to Crouin's recent victory at the German Open. This win was particularly satisfying after a demanding week, including a tough quarter-final match against Leonel Cardenas. Crouin felt that his rigorous physical training had been instrumental in his success. “The physical training that I've been doing is really paying off because I can play back-to-back matches without feeling too sore. So that was a goal of mine starting the season,” he revealed. This resilience allowed him to overcome fatigue and perform at his best in subsequent matches.

A standout moment was his semi-final victory against Nicolas Mueller, where he felt he “probably played some of my best squash”. This was especially significant considering Mueller had defeated him 3-0 on the same court just a week prior. Crouin reflected on the impact of fatigue on his performance against Mueller, stating, “I feel like sometimes when you're tired you actually play better because your body optimimzes to get rid of the disturbing thoughts. There’s simply less energy for them.” 

Want to join the Open Squash Whoop Group with Victor Crouin in it so that you can compare your strain with his, and a host of other Open Squash members? [LINK]

The final against Fares Dessouky was a different affair, marked by Dessouky's apparent injury. While Crouin remained focused and determined to capitalize on the situation, acknowledging Dessouky's skill, he admitted it wasn't the ideal way to win a final. He maintained a strong mental game, explaining, “I really didn’t want to give him any hope and chance to come back in the match”. This victory, however, served as a significant milestone, validating the hard work he has been putting in.

Eyes on Olympic Glory: A Strategic Shift and Mental Fortitude

Looking ahead, Crouin has strategically adjusted his tournament schedule with the 2028 Olympics in mind. He has made the conscious decision to play fewer Platinum events to prioritize training and long-term preparation for this momentous occasion. “Since that announcement [of squash in the Olympics] I've really changed my long-term career goals… I want to give everything for 28, not thinking about what's going to come after. And so it's a maybe one in a lifetime opportunity that we've been waiting for for so long. It would be historic to win the medal at the Olympics,” Crouin said. He recognizes the unique prestige and impact of becoming an Olympic medalist for France.

A crucial aspect of his Olympic preparation involves honing his mental game. Crouin is working with Jesse Engelbrecht from SportMind. SportMind empowers athletes with cutting-edge sports psychology, and Engelbrecht, a former professional squash player and high-performance coach, specializes in mindset coaching. Crouin is also collaborating with another psychologist back home, focusing specifically on the mental readiness required for the Olympics. This dedication to mental fortitude is evident in his efforts to become “more feisty on court” and to consciously acknowledge his successes during matches.

Amplifying His Story: Partnering with Zinga Agency

Recognizing the importance of a strong online presence in modern sports, Crouin has partnered with the Zinga Agency since September. This collaboration aims to enhance the professionalism and consistency of his social media content. Zinga, a communication agency for athletes, focuses on revealing the unique story of each athlete beyond their on-court performances. They assist Crouin with visual identity and content scheduling, allowing him to focus on his training and competition while maintaining an active online presence. He emphasizes that he still writes and publishes all his own content, with Zinga providing strategic and visual support. He is even an ambassador for the agency. The partnership with Zinga has been instrumental in helping him “refine [his] social media presence and create a cohesive online identity”.

Crouin has seen significant improvements, particularly on LinkedIn, where he has adopted a more impactful style (his goal on LinkedIn is primarily to attract sponsorships within France, and he posts in French to achieve this). He also finds that his reflection posts resonate well with his audience, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the highs and lows of professional squash.

When it comes to sharing his intense training montages on instagram, Crouin's mindset is clear: “I don't really care” if his opponents see them and feel intimidated. That’s something he’s learned from fellow top-ten player Joel Makin.

Victor Crouin’s journey is a compelling narrative of dedication and strategic thinking. Whether he’s inspiring young players, conquering tournaments, preparing for the ultimate sporting stage, or connecting with his audience, his passion for squash and his commitment to excellence shine through. As he continues to strive for his goals, both on and off the court, Victor Crouin remains a player to watch and an inspiring ambassador for the sport, and for Open Squash. Thanks for sitting down to chat with us, Victor!