In the summer of 2024, Alexandre Grand’Pierre, a member of the Class of 2025, proudly represented Haiti at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, competing in the 100-meter breaststroke. This remarkable achievement adds to his outstanding accolades in swimming, which include being named the NESCAC Men’s Swimming and Diving Rookie of the Year for the 2021-2022 season, a multiple-time NESCAC champion, an NCAA Division III All-American, and holder of Haitian national records in the men’s 100-meter, 50-meter, and 200-meter breaststroke events, as well as the men’s 200-meter individual medley.

Although he did not grow up in Haiti, Grand’Pierre has been a member of the Haitian national swimming team since 2019. In preparation for the Olympics, he intensified his training regimen, participating in various global competitions held in Japan, Qatar, and Mexico, which ultimately led to him achieving his Olympic qualifying time. He expressed his gratitude towards Head Coach Brad Burnham and his teammates for their unwavering support during his preparations.

“During the offseason, I was in the water daily, and Coach Brad and I devised a solid training plan… My swim teammates frequently joined me to help with the intense workouts,” stated Grand’Pierre. His support network extended beyond Bowdoin, with encouragement from the Haitian community.

Grand’Pierre articulated the significance of representing Haiti on such a prestigious platform. He remarked, “Given the current events surrounding Haiti and its relationship with France, I viewed this as a unique opportunity to showcase the country positively. Therefore, I made a conscious effort to present myself well and maintain a positive demeanor, as one never knows who might be observing.”

Upon arriving in the Olympic Village, Grand’Pierre described an exhilarating yet chaotic atmosphere filled with activities and interactions as he acclimated to the environment of over 10,000 athletes, each with their unique stories of perseverance. “Every athlete there has faced significant obstacles; it was touching to recognize the array of journeys that converged at that moment in history,” he said.

On the day of his race at La Defense Arena, Grand’Pierre held a positive outlook, aiming to relish the experience rather than fixate on outcomes. “I was acutely aware that in just a few moments, I would emerge from this room to face thousands of spectators and officially become an Olympian. It was a surreal experience,” he remarked. In the second heat of the men’s 100-meter breaststroke, he finished fourth with a time of 1:02.85, narrowly missing the semifinals. Despite the result not being his fastest, he remained proud. “Once I exited the water, the result ceased to hold importance; what mattered was being part of this extraordinary community of athletes.”

Grand’Pierre now joins an esteemed group of nine Polar Bear athletes who have competed in the Olympic Games, alongside his sister, Emilie Grand’Pierre, who represented Haiti in the 100-meter breaststroke at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

As he returns to campus life post-Olympics, Grand’Pierre looks ahead to a less frenetic routine but is determined to carry forward the energy and excitement he experienced during the Games. “It is a blessing to be able to compete, and I aspire to channel that enthusiasm into every practice and meet henceforth,” he concluded.

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