Our adventure with Philippe CROIZON goes on!

Sep 15 2021

With Philippe CROIZON, all is possible!

On Monday SEPT 13, as early as 7:30am, the stage of the Théâtre Erick MOREAU was buzzing. Journalists from US and French media were present with their camera and video crew. Emmanuel TEXIER, the Consul general of France in San Francisco were present as well.

In the center of the stage, Philippe CROIZON was sitting, surrounded by two LFSF students, Noa and Arthur.

Ahead of the conference the motivational speaker was prepared to address to the LFSF High Schoolers, a press conference had been organized, and Arthur and Noa were both translating and asking questions.

The conversation was easy, as Philippe has a real talent for making everyone feel comfortable. Questions were asked, translated by the students, answered by Philippe - often with a generous dose of humor - and translated again.

The connection between Philippe and the young teenagers was obvious and instantaneous. He knew how to gently pause and wait for them to find their words as they were switching between languages with an agility granted by their bilingual education. He knew how to keep them and all around the room, riveted to his story alternating humor and emotion like a master storyteller.

After about 45 minutes, all transitioned to the conference. High schoolers moved into the auditorium, curious to meet the quadruple amputee who challenged Elon Musk to fly him to space, and was heard!

The presentation was outstanding.

Following an incredible pace, Philippe CROIZON told us his story, from the accident that caused him to get severely electrocuted to his time in the hospital, to his long 7 year recovery and his decision to swim across the English Channel. He explained what gave him the desire to keep on living. He tells how jumping from an airplane in a parachute allowed him to realize what eventually changed his life : with the support of friends and family, a good sense of humour and lots of work, all is possible.

Students were mesmerized. One by one, they stood and cheered the man who confesses that if he were given a chance to go back to his old life, he would choose to remain the “otherwise capable” man he is today.

For Arthur and Noa, and all of us at LFSF, the adventure continues

Shortly after the conference, Philippe and his partner Suzanna left for the airport, accompanied by LFSF teacher and artistic director, Frederic PATTO. Next stop: Cape Canaveral for the launch of Inspiration4 where Elon Musk invited Philippe.

Since his arrival in Florida, Philippe has been meeting with the two students once or twice a day to keep us informed of all he's experiencing, from checking out the spacecraft to meeting with the all civilian crew.

Check it our or follow them on social media!

THE DAILIES - Conversations with Philippe CROIZON @SpaceX